Hi there,
I just came across this phrase in a novel. Of course I’ve heard it many times before and I’m well aware it implies insanity, but this time I had one of those “Wait, where did that phrase come from, anyway?” moments. Other euphemisms for insanity, like “bats in the belfry” or “slipping a cog”, are either obvious or easily traced with a little Googling. The origin of “toys in the attic”, though, has so far eluded me. I figured if anyone knew this bit of trivia, he or she might hang around here. So, any ideas?