a) being extremely agressive
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b) being completely crazy
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Being as mad as a hatter is used to refer to a crazy person.
French translation
fou à lier
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Examples in context
’As mad as a hatter’ became popular as a way of refering to someone who was perceived as insane, because in 18th and 19th century England mercury was used in the production of felt, which was used in the manufacturing of hats common of the time. People who worked in these hat factories were exposed daily to trace amounts of the metal, which accumulated within their bodies over time, causing some workers to develop dementia caused by mercury poisoning.
The name "Mad Hatter" in Alice in Wonderland was clearly done and inspired by the phrase ’as mad as a hatter’. The Hatter and the March Hare are initially referred to as "both mad" by the Cheshire Cat, and both first appear in the seventh chapter of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which is titled "A Mad Tea-Party".
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Carbon accounting system is mad as a hatter
By not having to account for emissions caused by imported goods, rich nations are living in Alice’s wonderland.
guardian.co.uk, 1st May 2011
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Everyday usage
Her brother is as mad as a hatter.
I would have to be as mad as a hatter to stay in this hotel again !
c) suffering from hypochondria
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