The Phrase 'Crazy Like a Fox': Origin, Meaning, and Apply to Donald Trump

The idiom 'crazy like a fox' has a rich history and a variety of meanings, often used to describe someone who seems foolish but is actually cunning and shrewd. This phrase has a unique origin that ties back to animal behavior and human psychology. This article explores the idiom's meaning, its early instances, and how it could be relevant to Donald Trump's political persona.

Meaning and Early Instances of the Idiom

The phrase 'crazy like a fox' gained popularity in the early 1900s and has since become a common idiom in American English. According to Christine Ammer in The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms (1997), it means 'seemingly foolish but actually very shrewd and cunning.' This usage was popularized by humorist S.J. Perelman, who used it as the title of his book in 1944.

Earliest instances of the phrase can be found in newspaper archives. The Spokane Press of January 18, 1907, featured the phrase: 'One often hears the remark crazy like a fox.' Similarly, the New York Sun on June 9, 1907, used the phrase in the following context: 'Didnt I see you at 2 o'clock this morning licking up the beads of the hiss fluids like as if somebodyd tipped you off that they were going to stop making it and you wanted to get yours down all at once before the shutdown Im as crazy as a fox hey.' These instances suggest that the phrase was used to describe someone acting in a cunning or deceptive manner, even if their behavior seemed foolish at first glance.

Origin of the Idiom

The phrase 'crazy like a fox' has its roots in zoology and the behavior of foxes, specifically concerning the rabies virus. Foxes are notorious carriers of this virus, making them frequent subjects of rabies cases. A rabid fox may exhibit unusual and dangerous behavior, such as attacking prey or humans.

Rabies, a zoonotic virus, takes up to two weeks to kill its host and can turn an otherwise calmer animal into a 'crazy' and aggressive creature. This transformation inspired the idiom, as a rabid fox would exhibit behavior that a healthy fox would avoid. For instance, a healthy fox would shy away from humans at night, but a rabid fox might confront them. This led people to believe that a 'crazy like a fox' was more likely to be rabid, and the phrase became a way to describe someone who was cunning and deceitful.

Application to Donald Trump

The phrase 'crazy like a fox' has been applied in various contexts, including political discourse. Some critics have used this phrase to describe Donald Trump's political strategies and tactics. Trump's methods of delivery, unconventional campaigning styles, and shrewd political maneuvers have led some to label him 'crazy like a fox.'

For instance, Trump's ability to spin narratives, paint himself as a victim, and exploit public sentiment has been seen as a trait of a cunning and shrewd politician, reminiscent of a fox. His surprise moves, such as unexpected endorsements or controversial statements, have often caught his rivals off guard. Critics argue that Trump's seemingly unpredictable behavior is a form of shrewd maneuvering, making him 'crazy like a fox.'

However, proponents of Trump argue that his methods are calculated and savvy, not irrational or foolish. They point to his business acumen and historical track record as evidence of his cunning and cleverness.

Conclusion

The phrase 'crazy like a fox' retains its meaning of being clever and shrewd, even when it seems foolish. Its origins in the behavior of rabid foxes have lent the phrase a rich and varied history. In the context of politics, it has been used both to criticize and to praise contestants, such as Donald Trump. Whether one sees Trump as 'crazy like a fox' or astutely shrewd is often a matter of perspective. Regardless, the phrase continues to be a useful idiom in describing cunning and unpredictable behavior.

References

Ammer, Christine. The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Houghton Mifflin, 1997.

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