Word up #2: Mad as a hatter
The phrase phrase “mad as a hatter” means to be completely and utterly insane.
There are many theories regarding the origin of this simile. Perhaps the most intriguing and also the most plausible theory was offered in “The Journal of the American Medical Association” (vol. 155, no. 3).
Once, it was common to use Mercury in the manufacture of felt hats. In those days the toxic nature of quicksilver was not known and those who made the hats (affectionately referred to as “hatters) wore no protective clothing, and would come into contact with this poisonous substance on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, the effect of such exposure may lead to mercury poisoning, one of the symptoms of which is insanity.
Famously, Lewis Carroll wrote about the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland” (1865), but there is at least one earlier reference to the expression: in “The Clockmaker” (1817) by Thomas Haliburton.
Nowadays, speakers of American English use the term ”mad” to mean “angry” as well as “crazy” and may be heard to misuse the expression in the former sense.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll can be purchased 
at Emporium:
http://www.emporiumbooks.com.au/book/alice-in-wonderland-9780375966415.do
The Clockmaker by Thomas Haliburton is also available 
at:
http://www.emporiumbooks.com.au/book/the-clockmaker-the-sayings-and-doings-of-samuel-slick.do
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People misusing words make me MAD… lol
I would REALLY love to pick up a copy. Alice in Wonderland was my favourite story as a kid. When I watch it now I kind of feel disturbed… definitely looking forward to the Tim Burton film. Trailer seems to show a deliciously darker edge to the fairytale.
Tim Burton has a natural talent for doing that with beloved children's classics.