Boot-shining crazy

A person, idea, thought, belief, government or other concept, system or organization that is domineering in manner, arrogant or otherwise overbearing or obsessively concerned with seemingly minor perceived slights or infractions.

The phrase is believed to have first emerged in the armed forces as an insult used to described officers who make excessive fuss over minor matters such as not shining ones boots thoroughly enough.

The term has since gained widespread acceptance outside of the military and can be found in common usage amongst many English speaking populations around the globe.

foo: "I had some cop stop me the other day for forgetting to put my indicator on, even though the street was totally empty he still gave me a ticket"

bar: "Sounds to me like he was boot-shining crazy"

by tteeler March 30, 2009