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Maniac

A maniac is a who behaves in a wildly foolish, reckless, or violent manner, often suggesting mental unsoundness or . The term originated from the Greek maniakos, referring to someone affected by —a state of excessive excitement or madness—and first appeared in English as an around 1526, describing something related to or characteristic of mania. By the late 18th century, it evolved into a denoting an individual suffering from such a condition, initially in a medical context but soon extending to uses for anyone acting frantically or obsessively. In psychological terms, "maniac" is not a formal but draws from the clinical understanding of as a mood state involving elevated energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behavior, commonly associated with . Historically, early uses in , such as the 1597 reference in King James VI & I's to witches making people "phrenticque or Maniacque," highlighted raving madness or uncontrolled frenzy. Over time, the word's meaning broadened beyond clinical insanity; by the , it described "raving maniacs" or "maniac winds" in dramatic or hyperbolic senses, and in the , it shifted to colloquial insults for erratic drivers or fanatical enthusiasts, as in a 1939 example of a "pools maniac" obsessed with . Contemporary usage often softens the term's intensity, applying it lightheartedly to denote passion rather than outright —for instance, a " maniac" who indulges voraciously or a "work maniac" driven by relentless . This dual connotation underscores its versatility as both a slur implying lunacy and a playful of zeal, though it remains derogatory when implying or , such as labeling reckless individuals as "maniacs" in news reports of . The word's pejorative edge reflects broader societal stigmas around , evolving from ancient notions of divine to modern dismissals of unconventional behavior.

Etymology and general use

Origin of the term

The term "maniac" originates from the adjective μανιακός (maniakós), meaning "mad," "frenzied," or "raving," derived from the noun μανία (manía), which referred to madness, frenzy, or a state of and excessive . In usage, manía often described not only pathological but also ecstatic or prophetic states induced by gods, as seen in philosophical and literary texts. The word entered English in 1526 as an adjective via maniacus ("mad, raving") and maniaque ("frenzied"), initially describing something affected by or characteristic of , such as a "" of enthusiastic or frenzied . The noun sense, denoting a person afflicted with or driven by excessive passion, first appeared around 1763. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the adjectival form appeared in to characterize raving madness or emotional extremes, while the noun emerged in medical writings for individuals gripped by such conditions. In the , "maniac" as a evolved into common for someone exhibiting irrational, uncontrolled, or wildly reckless , often carrying connotations of danger or unpredictability in everyday discourse.

Common meanings

In everyday English, the term "maniac" primarily refers to a person who behaves in a wildly reckless, foolish, or dangerously uncontrolled manner, often used informally to describe someone ignoring risks or safety. This usage emphasizes erratic or frenzied actions, such as "driving like a maniac," and carries connotations of or potential harm, distinguishing it from clinical diagnoses of mental illness. A secondary, more neutral or positive application of "maniac" describes an individual with an extreme, obsessive for a particular activity or , often hyperbolic to denote rather than . For instance, terms like "football maniac" or "chess maniac" portray avid fans or dedicated practitioners; this figurative extension dates to the . This sense softens the word's original ties to —a state of heightened excitement—and adapts it for colloquial of expertise or hobbyist . Overall, these common meanings reflect the word's from literal to versatile descriptors of intensity, used hyperbolically to amplify behaviors in casual .

Medicine and psychology

Definition in

In , the term "maniac" is an informal and obsolete descriptor for an individual experiencing a manic episode, rather than a formal diagnostic category in modern classifications such as the DSM-5. It colloquially refers to someone exhibiting extreme behavioral disturbances associated with , but it is not used in clinical diagnosis due to its connotations and lack of precision. Mania itself is defined in the as a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is required). This state markedly impairs social or occupational functioning and may include psychotic features such as delusions of grandeur or . Key symptoms, of which at least three must be present (or four if mood is only irritable), encompass inflated or , decreased need for (e.g., feeling rested after only three hours), excessive talkativeness or pressured speech, flight of ideas or , distractibility, increased involvement in goal-directed activities (e.g., excessive planning or productivity), and engagement in high-risk behaviors (e.g., reckless spending, unsafe , or substance use). These symptoms often lead to , irritability, or a mix of both, with possible hospitalization due to severe impairment or danger to self or others. Manic episodes are most commonly associated with , where they represent the defining feature, but can also occur in other conditions such as (bipolar type), substance-induced mood disorders, or as a result of medical conditions like . In , mania alternates with depressive episodes, while in , manic symptoms coexist with schizophrenia-like psychotic features outside of mood episodes. Importantly, mania is not a standalone but a specifier within these broader disorders. Mania is differentiated from , a milder form, by its greater severity, longer duration (at least one week versus four days), and potential for marked impairment or ; does not cause significant functional disruption and is characteristic of . While both involve elevated mood and energy, mania often requires immediate intervention, such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, to prevent harm.

Historical and cultural usage

In the , psychiatric understanding of underwent a significant transformation, departing from ancient humoral theory, which attributed to an excess of black bile and to imbalances involving yellow bile or boiling humors during warmer seasons. This shift emphasized as a distinct affective disorder rather than a byproduct of bodily fluids. French physician played a pivotal role by classifying separately in his 1801 nosological system, describing it as an acute state of excitement and , distinct from forms of . Building on this, German psychiatrist further refined the concept in the late , introducing "manic-depressive " as a unified illness involving episodic and , thereby establishing a foundational framework for modern classification. By the early , the term "maniac" became synonymous with dangerous individuals confined in burgeoning asylums, where and custodial care dominated treatment. In and , state institutions like those in Victorian England housed thousands labeled as maniacs, often under harsh conditions that prioritized containment over . This era's cultural depictions amplified fears, as seen in Victorian sensation novels of the , where the "maniac in the cellar" portrayed hidden madmen as explosive threats to domestic stability and , reflecting broader anxieties about concealed deviance. Post-World War II, cultural stigma surrounding "maniacs" began to erode amid deinstitutionalization movements, which closed many asylums in favor of community-based care, driven by exposés of institutional abuses and the advent of psychotropic medications. Influential critiques, such as Thomas Szasz's 1961 book The Myth of Mental Illness, challenged coercive psychiatric practices and pejorative labeling, arguing that terms like "maniac" pathologized personal troubles rather than addressing social contexts, thus promoting more humane discourse.61789-9/fulltext) Globally, non-Western cultures often frame manic-like states through spiritual lenses rather than medical ones, viewing them as requiring indigenous healing rituals. In parts of , such as eastern , communities interpret symptoms of —elevated mood, agitation, and delusions—as ancestral calls or demonic influences, treated via traditional healers using -like ceremonies to restore balance. Similarly, in Middle Eastern contexts, possession accounts for erratic behavior akin to , addressed through religious rather than institutionalization, highlighting diverse explanatory models that prioritize communal and interventions.

Film

1934 film

Maniac is a 1934 American independent black-and-white exploitation directed by and written by his wife, Hildegarde Stadie. Produced on a low budget typical of Esper's output in "sex hygiene" and sensationalist genres, the film runs approximately 51 minutes and features amateurish production values, including disjointed editing and intertitles explaining pseudoscientific concepts about the brain and madness. The plot centers on Don Maxwell, a former vaudevillian and played by Bill Woods, who is fleeing the law after killing a man in . Seeking refuge, Maxwell becomes the assistant to the deranged Dr. Meirschultz (Horace B. Carpenter), who experiments with injecting spinal fluid from executed criminals into corpses to reanimate them, aiming to create an indestructible serum. During a confrontation, Maxwell shoots Meirschultz and assumes his identity to evade capture, continuing the experiments in a hidden . As Maxwell's unravels, he injects himself with the serum, leading to hallucinations, violent outbursts, and bizarre incidents inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat," including a scene where a black cat's eye is gruesomely removed and consumed. Supporting cast includes Ted Edwards as Buckley, the undertaker who supplies bodies, and uncredited roles for several actors in brief, sensational sequences involving and gore. Released on September 11, 1934, by Roadshow Pictures just as the Motion Picture Production Code was being strictly enforced, Maniac faced immediate challenges due to its explicit , , and depictions of and , resulting in bans or heavy cuts in several U.S. states and cities. Esper marketed it under alternate titles like Sex Maniac to emphasize its lurid appeal, touring it through independent roadshow circuits with live lectures on to skirt regulations. The film explores early exploitation of mental illness through pseudoscience, portraying the "maniac" as a killer possessed by experimental serums that amplify base instincts, blending tropes with educational pretensions on . Though critically reviled at the time for its incoherence and , Maniac has achieved cult status in the genre for its surreal, unintentional comedy and as a prime example of pre-Code cinema's boundary-pushing.

1963 film

Maniac is a 1963 British thriller directed by and produced by . The was written by , who also served as , with cinematography by Wilkie Cooper and music by . The film stars as American artist Jeff Farrell, as Eve Beynat, Liliane Brousse as Annette Beynat, and as Georges Beynat. Filmed on location in the region of , it explores themes of erotic obsession, jealousy, and descending through a tale of murder and . The plot centers on Jeff Farrell, an American painter vacationing in the rural village of San Remi, who becomes romantically entangled with Beynat, the owner of a local . reveals that her husband, Georges, is confined to a nearby psychiatric after killing a man who sexually assaulted their daughter Annette years earlier. Seduced by 's promises and manipulations, Jeff agrees to help her break Georges out of the so she can him and claim his . Their plan unravels when they discover the of an guard in their getaway car, sparking a series of violent events, identity switches, and revelations that expose 's true maniacal nature and Jeff's entrapment in a web of guilt and rage. The narrative delves into the protagonist's psychological unraveling, portraying his obsession as a catalyst for maniacal behavior amid escalating and . Released in the on 20 May 1963, Maniac received an X certificate from the British Board of Film Censors due to its depictions of violence and sexual tension. Distributed by , the film achieved moderate box office success for , benefiting from the studio's reputation in the genre but not matching the commercial highs of their Gothic productions. Critics praised its atmospheric tension and twisty plot, often comparing it to Les Diaboliques (1955) for its themes of , though some noted flaws in pacing and improbable turns. The film's use of the "maniac" underscores the exploration of erotic obsession leading to psychotic breakdown, evolving the archetype from earlier mad-scientist tropes into a more intimate character study of .

1980 film

Maniac is a psychological horror film directed by in his feature debut, written by C. A. Rosenberg and , and produced on a low budget of $350,000 as an independent production. The story centers on Frank Zito, a troubled Italian- and in , who stalks and murders young women, scalping them to adorn a collection of mannequins in his squalid apartment, driven by auditory hallucinations and childhood trauma from an abusive mother. Shot guerrilla-style over 26 days entirely on location amid the gritty urban decay of 1970s-1980s , the film adopts a raw, documentary-like aesthetic with minimal crew and lighting to heighten its sense of realism and immersion, often employing subjective camera angles to place viewers in Zito's disturbed perspective. Joe Spinell delivers a harrowing lead performance as Frank Zito, portraying the killer as a sweaty, loner whose unhinged unravels through increasingly violent acts, including strangulations, shootings, and graphic decapitations with practical effects supervised by . The supporting cast includes as Anna D'Antoni, a who becomes Zito's object of after unwittingly capturing his image; as Denise, another victim; Kelly Piper as a nurse; and Hyla Mayer as a sex worker, with brief appearances by and Steve James. Spinell, who co-wrote the screenplay and contributed $6,000 to the initial $48,000 budget before additional funding was secured, drew from Italian-American cultural elements and personal intensity to embody the character's mania, making Maniac a seminal entry in the slasher subgenre with its focus on psychological depth over supernatural elements. The film's title directly evokes the protagonist's fractured mental state, reflecting his descent into madness amid New York's seedy underbelly of and abandoned tenements. Inspired by real cases of the era, including the Son of Sam murders that terrorized the city in the late 1970s, Lustig aimed to compile traits from multiple perpetrators to capture the pervasive fear, as he noted in interviews about the tabloid frenzy surrounding David Berkowitz's crimes. Premiering at the on May 10, 1980, in a midnight screening, it received a limited U.S. theatrical release on January 31, 1981, in through distributor Analysis Film Releasing Corporation, which self-imposed a "For Adults Only" rating due to its explicit content; international sales by Filmworld Export Corp. reached over a dozen countries. Upon release, Maniac sparked significant for its , misogynistic depictions of female victims, and exploitative tone, drawing sharp criticism from outlets like the , which refused to advertise or list it, and contributing to broader backlash against slasher films amid moral panics over media violence. Banned or heavily censored in several countries, including the under the Video Recordings Act, it nonetheless grossed approximately $10 million worldwide, far exceeding its budget, and achieved cult status through underground distribution in the 1980s, praised retrospectively for its unflinching realism and Spinell's performance as a blueprint for grounded horror antagonists.

2012 film

Maniac is a French-American film directed by Franck Khalfoun, serving as a of the film of the same name. The story centers on Frank Zito (), a shy and withdrawn owner of a mannequin restoration shop in , who grapples with severe stemming from his abusive mother, leading him to commit brutal murders by women and adorning his mannequins with their hair. As he assists a young and artist, Anna (), with installing her exhibit featuring mannequin sculptures, Frank develops an obsessive attachment to her, blurring the lines between his fractured psyche and reality. The narrative unfolds largely through enhanced point-of-view shots from Frank's perspective, immersing viewers in his disorienting mindset and escalating violence. The film was written by and Grégory Levasseur, with Aja also serving as a producer alongside Thomas Langmann and others. Elijah Wood delivers a chilling performance as the unassuming yet deranged Frank, marking a stark departure from his more familiar roles and earning praise for its intensity. Supporting cast includes as the ill-fated Anna, alongside , in a brief cameo, and others portraying Frank's victims. Shot on the Red Epic digital camera with Ultra Prime lenses, the production emphasized practical effects for its graphic kills while incorporating modern to heighten the intimate, voyeuristic feel. Maniac premiered at the on May 26, 2012, and received a in the United States on June 21, 2013, distributed by . Critics lauded the film's innovative , particularly its extensive use of subjective shots that create a claustrophobic immersion in the killer's viewpoint, and Wood's transformative portrayal of quiet rage. However, it faced backlash for its excessive and sadistic , with some reviewers noting the brutality overshadowed the psychological depth. On , it holds a 53% approval rating based on 73 reviews, with the consensus highlighting its intelligence amid the bloodshed. Updating the original's gritty style for a contemporary audience, the integrates elements of modern urban isolation, such as the artist's social media-influenced exhibit, to portray the "maniac" as a for repressed fury in a disconnected . The digital effects and enhanced technique allow for seamless transitions between Frank's hallucinations and reality, emphasizing themes of maternal and obsessive without relying on outdated practical makeup from the source material. This approach distinguishes it as a polished, slasher that probes the of a killer rather than mere .

Maniac Cop series

The Maniac Cop series is a trilogy of slasher films produced between 1988 and 1993, centering on the rampages of a vengeful named Matt Cordell, who embodies a twisted of excess. Written by , who also served as producer on the films, the series combines gory kills with satirical commentary on brutality, portraying Cordell as a maniac driven by and institutional corruption. Directed primarily by , the trilogy gained a for its over-the-top practical effects, B-movie charm, and quintessential 1980s slasher aesthetics, including masked killers and urban paranoia. The inaugural film, Maniac Cop (1988), unfolds in New York City, where Cordell, a disgraced former officer wrongfully imprisoned and presumed dead, returns as an unstoppable killer in full police uniform, targeting civilians and sowing distrust in the NYPD. Detective Jack Forbert (Bruce Campbell) and his wife Theresa (Laurene Landon), a patrol officer, become entangled in the investigation led by Lieutenant Frank McCrae (Tom Atkins), uncovering a departmental conspiracy behind Cordell's rage. The sequel, Maniac Cop 2 (1990), resurrects Cordell through occult means during a prison riot in New York, where he allies with a nun-turned-bank robber (Claudia Christian) and unleashes chaos on the streets, escalating the body count with vehicular mayhem and supernatural resilience. The trilogy concludes with Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence (1993), shifting the action to Las Vegas, as Cordell is revived via voodoo by a police widow (Gretchen Becker) seeking revenge against corrupt officials; Detective Sean McKinney (Robert Davi, reprising his role from the second film) pursues the killer amid casino heists and ritualistic horror. Robert Z'Dar portrays the iconic Matt Cordell across all three installments, his imposing jawline and silent menace making the character a memorable slasher villain akin to , while supporting casts feature genre staples like Campbell's wisecracking hero and Atkins' grizzled . Cohen's production involvement ensured a consistent low-budget grit, with Lustig's direction emphasizing practical gore over effects, though the third film faced disputes leading to an "" pseudonym credit in some releases. The series' "maniac" theme satirizes real-world —such as cover-ups and —by framing Cordell's killings as righteous vengeance against a rotten system, blending thrills with social bite that resonated in an era of fears. Released initially theatrically on May 13, 1988, for the first film, the sequels went — in December 1990 and on July 7, 1993—allowing for gorier, unrated cuts that enhanced their underground appeal. These uncut versions, later preserved in Blu-ray restorations by labels like , showcase the franchise's campy violence, including decapitations and impalements, without the MPAA trims that softened theatrical prints. Despite mixed contemporary reviews criticizing thin plots, the trilogy's cult status endures through fan festivals, merchandise, and homages in media, celebrated for reviving the slasher subgenre with a badge-wearing boogeyman.

Literature

Maniac Magee (1990 novel)

Maniac Magee is a young adult novel written by American author Jerry Spinelli and published in 1990 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Set in the fictional town of Two Mills, Pennsylvania, the story follows Jeffrey Lionel "Maniac" Magee, an orphaned boy who runs away from an unhappy home with his bickering aunt and uncle after his parents' death in a trolley accident. Arriving in a community sharply divided by race—with the predominantly Black East End separated from the white West End by a racial barrier—Maniac earns his nickname through extraordinary feats of running and endurance, such as covering vast distances and untying the infamous Cobble's Knot that no one else could solve. Through his interactions across racial lines, including living with the Black Beale family and later bonding with a white former baseball player named Grayson, Maniac becomes a local legend who fosters unity and challenges prejudice. The novel culminates in Maniac helping to integrate a fractured family, symbolizing hope for reconciliation in a divided society. The nickname "Maniac" stems from Maniac's legendary running abilities, which are depicted not as signs of madness but as expressions of his relentless endurance and search for belonging amid and loss. After running away at age eight, the 11-year-old Maniac wanders into Two Mills, where he first stays with the Beales, teaching their son to read and participating in family life despite racial tensions that eventually drive him away. He then finds temporary shelter with Grayson in a , where they share meals like buffalo steak and stories from Grayson's past, highlighting themes of and human connection. Maniac's heroic acts, such as taming a and reuniting the McNab family with their estranged son, further cement his mythic status, but the narrative emphasizes his vulnerability and desire for a stable home over superhuman traits. Ultimately, the Pickawill family offers him belonging, bridging the town's divides through everyday compassion. The novel explores key themes of racial prejudice, as Maniac's color-blind friendships expose the arbitrary nature of and the ignorance fueling it; , portrayed through his nomadic life and ; and heroism, presenting Maniac as an ordinary boy whose courage inspires communal change rather than a flawless . Additional motifs include as a for —Maniac teaches reading to bridge gaps—and the contrast between and reality, underscoring how legends arise from real struggles against societal barriers. These elements contribute to the book's enduring impact on young readers, encouraging reflection on social issues. Published on April 2, 1990, received widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and social commentary, winning the 1991 from the as well as over fifteen state children's book awards. The book has been adapted into a stage play suitable for educational and theater productions and a 2003 made-for-television movie produced by , which aired as a family special and featured a diverse cast portraying the story's themes of .

The MANIAC (2023 novel)

The MANIAC is a 2023 novel by Chilean author , marking his first work originally written in English. It presents a fictionalized biography of the polymath , blending historical facts with speculative elements to explore his extraordinary intellect and its consequences. Published by Penguin Press on October 3, 2023, the book received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative narrative style and was named one of the ten best books of the year by The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly, as well as one of former President Barack Obama's favorite reads. The novel employs a tripartite structure, forming a literary that traces von Neumann's genius across key phases of his life and legacy. It begins with the story of physicist , a prelude illustrating the psychological toll of scientific breakthroughs, before shifting to von Neumann's early years as a in , his pivotal role in the developing the atomic bomb, and his pioneering contributions to computing and . The narrative culminates in reflections on , drawing parallels between von Neumann's work and modern AI advancements, such as machine learning algorithms that predict and control unstable processes. Presented largely as a semi-fictional through remembrances by family, colleagues, and adversaries, the book seamlessly interweaves documented events with imagined dialogues and inner thoughts, emphasizing the blurred line between reality and invention. Central themes revolve around the perils of unchecked intellectual ambition and the erosion of human boundaries in the face of machine-like logic. Labatut portrays as a figure of near-superhuman , often detached from emotion, whose obsession with formal systems—from to self-replicating computers—propels humanity toward both unprecedented power and existential risk. The title The MANIAC alludes to the Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator, and Computer (MANIAC), an early helped develop at , symbolizing his embodiment of a "computational maniac" who prioritizes pure logic over moral or emotional considerations. Critics have lauded the novel's eerie meditation on how such brilliance reshapes the world, from the nuclear age to the dawn of , while warning of the madness inherent in pursuing absolute control over chaos.

Other literary works

In addition to major novels centered on the term "maniac," several other literary works from the incorporate it in titles or characterizations, often to evoke themes of , , or villainy in . A notable example is The Maniac in the Cellar: Novels of the 1860s (1980) by Hughes, which examines the of deranged or "maniacal" characters in Victorian fiction, portraying them as subversive figures lurking in domestic settings to heighten narrative tension and social critique. Hughes analyzes how these maniacs in works by authors like and reflected anxieties about hidden madness in middle-class life. In juvenile mystery series, the term appears to denote reckless or unhinged antagonists. For instance, in Franklin W. Dixon's The Secret of the Caves (1927, revised 1964), the Hardy Boys encounter "the maniac Captain Royal," a wild, treasure-obsessed figure who embodies perilous eccentricity in their adventure. Shorter prose forms, particularly in pulp magazines, frequently featured "maniac" inventors or mad scientists as antagonists in speculative tales. An early example is Herbert Hipwell's "The Madman" (1923), published in Weird Tales, where a deranged protagonist driven to insanity by grief constructs bizarre mechanisms, blurring the line between genius and peril in a tale of psychological descent. Such stories in pulps like Weird Tales often used the maniac archetype to explore forbidden knowledge and its destructive consequences. Throughout 20th-century , "maniac" became a common descriptor for villains or anti-heroes in adventures, signifying irrational cruelty or obsessive schemes. In the Spider series by Grant Stockbridge (Norvell W. Page), maniacal leaders orchestrate mass violence, such as in Prince of the Red Looters (1935), where a "maniac" poisons cities to seize power, highlighting the trope's role in heightening stakes against heroic vigilantes. This usage persisted in , , and , denoting characters whose drives plot chaos while critiquing unchecked ambition.

Television

2018 Netflix miniseries

Maniac is an American psychological created by and directed by . It premiered on on September 21, 2018, consisting of 10 episodes. The series stars as Annie Landsberg and as Owen Milgrim, two strangers who enroll in a three-phase pharmaceutical for an experimental designed to treat issues by inducing shared hallucinations. The plot centers on and Owen, both grappling with personal traumas—Annie with dysfunction and Owen with and pressures—who meet during the trial conducted by the fictional company Neberdine Pharmaceutical and Biotech (NPB). The drug, administered in phases labeled A, B, and C, propels them into interconnected dream worlds that blend their memories with fantastical scenarios, forcing them to confront issues of , loss, and . These hallucinations draw from diverse genres, including 1940s , Viking quests, and dystopias, set against a retro-futuristic . The narrative explores broader themes of , echoing real psychiatric concepts of through the trial's structure, while emphasizing emotional healing over clinical resolution. Supporting cast includes as Annie's sister Lucy, as trial overseer Dr. James Mantleray, as his mother Gertie, and as Owen's father Jed Milgrim. Fukunaga directed all episodes, marking his first time helming an entire season, with production handled by and . The series is an of the 2014 Norwegian miniseries of the same name, expanded into a more ambitious sci-fi framework. Influences include Christopher Nolan's for its layered dream logic and classic sci-fi like for world-building, as discussed by Fukunaga. The title Maniac derives from the drug trial's acronym and phases, which mimic manic states of , , and to unlock repressed traumas, underscoring the show's focus on destigmatization. Somerville aimed to blend humor and to humanize psychological struggles, avoiding . The miniseries received critical acclaim for its visuals and performances, earning nominations for , including Outstanding Limited Series.

Television episodes

In television, the term "maniac" often appears in episodes of procedural dramas and comedies to explore themes of mental , obsessive , and criminal , typically in standalone formats rather than arcs. These narratives frequently depict characters driven by to commit or eccentricity, serving as vehicles for on and societal fears. This usage persists in contemporary programming, reflecting ongoing discussions around psychological themes. One notable example is the episode "Manic" from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Season 5, Episode 2, aired September 30, 2003), where detectives investigate a high school shooting committed by a student, Joe Blaine (played by Rory Culkin), during a severe manic episode linked to untreated bipolar disorder. The story examines the intersection of juvenile justice, psychiatric care failures, and the defense of insanity, as Blaine's lawyer argues his condition negated intent, ultimately leading to a manslaughter conviction after evidence reveals prior untreated symptoms and a family history of mental illness. In comedy, The Simpsons incorporates "maniac" references to satirize obsessive personalities, as seen in "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious" (Season 8, Episode 13, aired February 23, 1997). Groundskeeper Willie performs a parody of Michael Sembello's song "Maniac" while exercising in the park, portraying himself as a frenzied, self-deluded fitness enthusiast whose manic energy comically escalates into absurdity, underscoring the episode's broader parody of Mary Poppins and themes of escapism through fantasy.

Video games

Ideal Maniac (1979 handheld)

The Ideal Maniac is an electronic handheld game released in 1979 by the Ideal Toy Company. Designed by inventor Ralph H. Baer, who previously created the popular Simon memory game, it combines LED lights, sound effects, and music in a compact, battery-powered unit requiring four C-size batteries. Intended for ages 8 and up, the game supports 1 to 4 players and emerged during the late 1970s surge in microprocessor-controlled electronic toys, akin to contemporaries like Merlin and early LCD handhelds. Its tabletop-portable design featured individual paddles for multiplayer interaction, emphasizing quick reflexes and sensory recall over narrative play. Gameplay revolves around four distinct challenges, cycled through in sequential rounds to build escalating difficulty based on player performance. In Musical Mania, players react by pressing a button the instant random music ceases, earning 2 points for responses within 0.25 seconds or 1 point within 0.5 seconds. Sounds Abound requires counting a sequence of tones and pressing at the matching beep count, with 2 points for exact matches and 1 point for counts off by one. Look Twice tests , where players identify repeated combinations of lights and tones, awarding points for timely replication. Finally, Your Time is Up challenges timing precision, as players hold the button to match the duration of an initial tone, again scored on 0.25-second or 0.5-second accuracy. Rounds accumulate scores displayed on the unit, with the first player reaching 25 points declared the winner; the game produces beeps, high-pitched alerts, and thematic music to signal actions and heighten tension. The "maniac" theme evokes the frustrating, mind-bending nature of its sensory tests, marketed as a "fiendishly clever paranoid " that scrambles wits without relying on or chase mechanics. Produced in and model-numbered 2077-6, it represented an accessible entry in Baer's portfolio of handheld innovations, bridging simple reaction games to more complex electronic entertainment.

Maniac (2024 )

is a rogue-lite developed by Transhuman Design and published by Skystone Games. It was initially released for Windows via on March 28, 2024, with ports for , Series X/S, , and following on May 22, 2025. The game draws inspiration from classic top-down titles and auto-shooter mechanics seen in , reimagining urban chaos as a survival-focused rampage. In Maniac, players control a character causing destruction in a procedurally generated open-world divided into 11 unique districts, evading increasingly aggressive forces while wielding an arsenal of weapons and vehicles such as bulldozers and tanks. The core loop involves surviving escalating waves of until a nuke ends the run, emphasizing , dynamic physics, and strategic destruction to build a wanted level and embody the "maniac" theme of descending into through relentless . Distinct from earlier handheld titles like Ideal Maniac, this modern entry adds depth with and replayability. Key features include unlockable characters—such as a murderous or a coked-up broker—each with unique abilities, alongside customizable weapons, gear, and vehicle upgrades that enhance chaos potential. A built-in map editor allows players to design custom levels, further extending the game's procedural variety and encouraging community-shared content. The game received very positive reception on , with 87% of approximately 1,660 user reviews favorable, praised for its addictive loop and nostalgic arcade feel despite some criticism of repetitive elements. It has sold an estimated 92,000 units on , generating around $344,000 in gross revenue as of November 2025, with additional sales on consoles.

Music

Songs

"Maniac" is a song by American musician , featured on the soundtrack to the film . Co-written with Dennis Matkosky, the track describes a young woman's intense, obsessive passion for dancing, portraying her as a "maniac" lost in the rhythm despite others viewing her as crazy. The song topped the chart for two weeks starting September 10, , becoming one of the decade's defining hits and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, though it was ultimately disqualified. In 2022, South Korean boy band released "Maniac" as the lead single from their EP . This trap-infused and pop track explores themes of nonconformity and inner turmoil, urging listeners to embrace their "odd" true selves rather than adhering to societal norms, with references to symbolizing hidden "maniac" identities. The music video features chaotic, surreal visuals depicting the members breaking free from constraints, amplifying the song's aggressive verses and high-energy production. Conan Gray's 2019 indie pop single "Maniac," from his debut album , delves into the obsessive dynamics of toxic relationships, capturing the thrill and danger of being drawn to someone self-destructive and unpredictable. The song's reflect on past attractions to "maniacs" who crave what they cannot have, blending with synth-driven melodies. It gained widespread popularity through , contributing to Gray's breakthrough as a bedroom pop artist.

Albums and EPs

Stray Kids released their sixth (EP), , on March 18, 2022, through , marking a significant entry in their with the "MANIAC." The EP explores themes of oddity and rebellion, embracing nonconformity and the embrace of one's unique identity amid societal norms, as reflected in its title—a portmanteau of "odd" and "ordinary." Featuring seven tracks produced primarily by the group's in-house production team 3RACHA, debuted at number one on the chart, marking the group's first No. 1 and the second K-pop act to debut at the top (following ), as well as the third overall K-pop act to reach No. 1, selling over 360,000 equivalent album units in its first week. Maniac is the debut studio by Austrian speed and band Maniac, released in 1985. Recorded in , the album features nine tracks of high-energy, riff-driven metal emphasizing themes of rebellion and power, exemplifying the European scene of the with raw production and aggressive vocals. It includes standout songs like "Warrior of the Rising Sun" and "Rock 'n' Roll maniac," contributing to the band's in the genre.

Bands and artists

Maniac is an punk rock band formed in , , in 2012, known for blending and elements with punk energy. The band, consisting of members Andrew Zappin (guitar/vocals), James Carman (guitar/vocals), Justin Maurer (bass/vocals), and Richie Cardenas (drums), gained recognition through releases like the 2018 album Dead Dance Club on Hovercraft Records, which showcased their light-hearted yet aggressive style influenced by classic punk acts. Mäniac was a Canadian thrash metal and punk band from Toronto, Ontario, active from 2005 until their split-up, drawing on themes of satanism, evil, sex, and mania in their raw, aggressive sound. The group released material that fused punk's speed with thrash's intensity, contributing to the underground metal-punk scene in Canada during the mid-2000s. Maniac was an Austrian speed and heavy metal band formed in Imst, Tyrol, in 1983, active until 1990, celebrated for their high-energy performances and loud, riff-driven music. They released their self-titled debut album in 1985, followed by Look Out in 1988, both exemplifying the European heavy metal wave with tracks emphasizing rebellion and power. The band disbanded after a decade but left a legacy in the speed metal genre. Maniac was a melodic band from in , active in the 1980s, featuring members like Fredrik Jansson on vocals and piano, Lasse Hallin on guitar and vocals, Anders Hallin on guitar, Robert Franck on bass, and Tobias "Tobbe" Broström on drums. Their style incorporated melodic hooks typical of Scandinavian and , though specific details remain limited in .

Sports

Athlete nicknames

In , linebacker Darius Leonard, who played for the from 2018 to 2021, earned the nickname "Maniac" due to his relentless and energetic of pursuing tackles on the field. During his tenure with the Colts, Leonard led the in tackles as a rookie in 2018, showcasing the intensity that defined his moniker. He was selected to the three times (2018, 2019, and 2020) and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2018 for his impactful debut season. In , , a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, was known as "The Maniac" (often stylized as "The Maine-iac" in reference to his home state) for his aggressive and forward-pressing fighting approach. captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2003 by defeating defending champion via knockout in the first round at UFC 41. His combative style and notable victories, including the title win over , solidified his reputation as a high-energy competitor in the heavyweight division.

Mascots and fan groups

The Miami Maniac serves as the official mascot for the University of Miami Hurricanes baseball team, debuting on April 17, 1982, at Mark Light Stadium under the initiative of head coach Ron Fraser to boost fan engagement and attendance. Inspired by the University of South Carolina's Cocky mascot, the character is portrayed by multiple individuals, including students and alumni, and features an anthropomorphic design with a large snout, prominent belly, baseball shoes, and primarily orange fur accented by green, often wearing a uniform numbered ½. The mascot has been integral to game-day entertainment, including notable events like a 1985 televised "wedding" to a Mrs. Maniac character, attended by other sports figures and broadcast on ESPN. The Mountaineer Maniacs represent the official section for athletics, particularly renowned for their fervent support of the Mountaineers football team since the early 2000s. As the largest student organization on campus, the group emphasizes passionate, respectful, and persistent fandom, organizing seating in designated sections, leading chants such as "Let's Go...Mountaineers," and promoting traditions like rowdy pre-game tailgates and community service initiatives. Membership, available through annual options including an "Ultimate" tier for guaranteed game tickets, fosters a unified student presence at home games and beyond, contributing to WVU's reputation for one of college football's most energetic atmospheres. In European soccer, "Maniac" denotes intense supporter groups, exemplified by The Maniacs (Manijaci), the primary collective for Bosnian club , established in 1987. Based at Grbavica Stadium, the group is known for choreographed tifos, , and vocal backing during matches in the Bosnian , particularly in high-stakes derbies against rivals like , while maintaining subgroups such as Blue Tigers for coordinated displays. Their activities underscore a tradition of dedicated, organized fandom that enhances the matchday experience in Balkan football culture.

Other uses

Computing

The MANIAC (Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator, and Computer) was an early digital computer developed at and operational by 1952. Designed primarily for scientific computations in , it facilitated complex simulations, including methods for and thermonuclear weapon design. Influenced by the Institute for Advanced Study's computer project led by , the MANIAC featured a stored-program architecture with approximately 1,800 vacuum tubes, magnetic of 2,048 40-bit words, and the ability to perform up to 10,000 additions per second. It served as a predecessor to subsequent machines at , including MANIAC II, which began development in and incorporated improvements such as faster core memory and expanded capacity for more sophisticated modeling tasks. In the broader context of postwar computing, the MANIAC exemplified the shift toward high-speed electronic calculators for defense-related research, enabling physicists like to advance probabilistic simulations that remain foundational in .

Slang and miscellaneous

In subcultures, "maniac" serves as for individuals exhibiting extreme or reckless behavior within specific communities. During the 1970s, within biker subcultures, the term described riders known for their dangerous, high-speed maneuvers and disregard for safety norms, reflecting the era's rebellious motorcycle culture popularized in media and comedy. This usage aligns with comedian George Carlin's 1972 routine, where he quipped, "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?", capturing the relative of recklessness that resonated with s viewing faster peers as maniacs. In modern and subcultures, "maniac" denotes extreme or hyper-aggressive , often in online memes and discussions portraying obsessive or risk-taking . For instance, in poker communities, a "maniac" refers to a loose-aggressive who frequently enters pots with bold bets, creating chaotic dynamics at the . Similarly, in video , "maniac " is for games like those in the Touhou series, where navigate screens filled with dense projectile patterns, evoking maniacal intensity; this term appears in analyses and memes celebrating or mocking ' frantic survival skills. Among miscellaneous uses, "Maniac" names a clothing brand founded in 2006, specializing in jerseys and casual . In the realm of pulp fiction fandom from , "Maniac" appeared in titles and story themes within magazines like Strange Detective Mysteries, where tales of homicidal or deranged characters, such as "Maniac Murder" by Frederick C. Painton, catered to fans of lurid, sensational narratives. An obscure application in involves "Maniac" as the name of a gothic-style evoking dark, vintage aesthetics, reminiscent of horror film posters like that of the 1980 movie Maniac, where bold, irregular lettering conveyed themes of madness and terror.