Straight Dope Message Board

[Ranger Jeff]

"Mad as a hen wetter" or was it "Madder than a hen wetter"?

I'm NOT talking about a wet hen.

Was it a Nanny Oggism?

1

[Beckdawrek]

Mad as a Hatter?
Wasn't there a chemical they used in making of hats for men that made them go insane?
Or the Mad Hatter from 'Alice in Wonderland?' 2

[bob++]

Originally Posted by Beckdawrek

Mad as a Hatter?
Wasn't there a chemical they used in making of hats for men that made them go insane?
Or the Mad Hatter from 'Alice in Wonderland?'

Mercurous nitrate (HgNO3), used in curing felt gave off mercury vapour. 3

[Kimstu]

Originally Posted by Ranger Jeff

Where did I get this phrase?

From a 1988 Bloom County comic strip. 4

[Ranger Jeff]

Originally Posted by Kimstu

From a 1988 Bloom County comic strip.

Thank you. 5