mad scientists
Laboratory-dwelling maniacs
Mad scientists are fictional or semi-legendary figures who pursue dangerous experiments with reckless disregard for ethics or consequences.
The stereotype features wild hair, a laboratory full of bubbling beakers, and a cackling laugh: The mad scientist unleashed his creation on the unsuspecting village.
The phrase captures anxieties about unchecked scientific ambition—from Dr.
Frankenstein to nuclear physicists.
In casual use, it can describe anyone obsessively tinkering with unconventional ideas: The garage was full of mad scientist energy.
- Dr. JekyllHidden monster within
- gogglesSealed protective eyewear
- experimentSystematic investigation procedure
- hubrisRuinous excessive confidence
- inventionNew device or method
Dr. Strangelove · doomsday device · evil genius · megalomania · playing God · insanity · genius · test tubes · laboratory · secret laboratory · lightning · cackle · unintended consequences · formula · forbidden knowledge · retrofuturism · horror films · Frankenstein
- Steampunkgears, cogs, brass goggles, airship, dirigible
- Victorian supernaturalghosts, seance, spiritualism, mediums, haunted house
- sci-fiscience fiction, Star Wars, sci-fi, Blade Runner 2049, aliens
- Silver Agegolden age, bronze age, heroic age, DC Comics, Marvel Comics
scientist, madness, scientific, maddening, maddened, scientists, madder, maddens, scientifically