The word “berserk” has fascinating origins rooted in Norse culture. “Berserk” comes from the Old Norse word berserkr, which combines “ber-” (likely meaning “bear”) and “serkr” (meaning “shirt” or “coat”). Together, it translates roughly to “bear shirt.” This term referred to Norse warriors known as “berserkers” who fought with such intense fury and strength that they seemed to be in a trance, as if possessed by the spirit of a bear.

Berserkers were believed to go into battle without armor, relying on sheer physical strength and rage. The frenzied state they entered was described as a form of madness or extreme fury, which made them terrifying and unstoppable in combat. Over time, the idea of going “berserk” came to mean any wild or uncontrolled behavior.

Today, “going berserk” means losing control, acting wildly, or experiencing an overwhelming rage—but thankfully, it’s much less dramatic than how those warriors fought long ago!