wingnut

Meaning

Noun

• A deciduous tree of the genus Pterocarya (genus) native to Asia.
• Alternative of wing nut
• Someone with crazy or extreme political views (especially extreme conservative views).
• A mentally ill homeless person.
• Someone perceived as odd, eccentric, and/or extreme.
• A member of the air force (in a town that hosts a USAF installation).

Related

Similar words

• pterocarya
• extremist, radical; winger

Origin

• wing + nut.