What Does Go Ballistic Mean?
To go ballistic means to become very angry, wildly or irrationally so. It’s often used in an exaggerated way. It is probably inspired by the older idiom ‘go berserk.’
Sentence Examples
“If mom finds out you were AWOL from school she’ll go ballistic.”
“If Dad finds out you snuck out of the house, he’ll go ballistic.“
“Jerry went ballistic when he lost at Monopoly. He’s ridiculously competitive.”
“Oh, my God. You have to snog Freddie.” “Snog? That sounds disgusting. What is that?” It’s English for make out. Mrs. Kingsley will go ballistic.” — Wild Child (2008)
“One more “Hey, Joanie, where’s Chachi,” and I’ll go ballistic.” — Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)
” You can’t go anywhere near Lily or the All City without Tatlock going ballistic.” — Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector (2006)
Origin of Go Ballistic
The word ballistic in ‘go ballistic’ refers to a ballistic missile. Despite them being called ballistic missiles, the idiom does not refer simply to a missile being launched and/or exploding on its target.
A ballistic missile is only guided or controlled during a brief period at the beginning of its launch when it is under power. After that, where the missile goes is subject to the laws of mechanics or, ballistics.
At this point, although its flight can be predicted, it is ‘out of control.’ And, indeed, sometimes missiles go out of control prematurely. Such a missile has ‘gone ballistic’ too soon, hence the idiom. Such a missile could touch down and explode in an unpredictable place or manner.
The Science of “Going Ballistic”
In ballistics, there is a massive difference between a missile and a projectile:
- The Human Connection: When someone “goes ballistic,” they aren’t just angry; they have reached the “engine cut-off” point where rational influence no longer works. They are now a projectile following a set path of destruction until they hit the ground.
- The Power Cut-Off: A ballistic missile is only “powered” for a fraction of its journey. Once the rocket engine stops, the missile is no longer being pushed; it is simply “coasting” at thousands of miles per hour.
- The Point of No Return: Once it enters the ballistic phase, it cannot be recalled, redirected, or aborted. It is committed to its trajectory. Thus, the metaphor, as extended to human behavior, perfectly captures an irrational and out of control person who cannot be redirected or “calmed down.”