Ahhhh, I was just plumb wrong

I've often heard in American movies, the guy from out of town could use a term like 'plum crazy'. This use of the word 'plum' is quite different to say 'plum job'.

If someone does a 'plum job', then it's a good job. But if someone's 'plum crazy', then he's really crazy.

I would assume the use of 'plum' in plum job is of English origin. However, the 'plum crazy' version sounds US based to me.

Can anyone clarify both the basis for the term 'plum crazy' and the origin of using the word 'plum' to describe something as being 'very or really' whatever?

'A guess. 'Plum' in the crazy sense is to do with 'plumb' - ie lead. Lead poisoning can make you demented, among other things.
'Plum' in the other sense is perhaps related to the use of the word as a slang expression for £1000 - 'a plum' was a thousand pounds. Why it became a slang word I don't know!

It's also "plumb loco", especially in cowboy movies. Loco of course, is Sp*nish for "crazy".

The word is definitely "plumb," not "plum." One sense of "plumb" in the American Heritage Dictionary is "Utterly; completely; entirely: 'plumb tired'" (labeled "informal"). I'm guessing that this meaning came from the use of a plumb (lead weight) in building. An architectural element that matches a plumb line is absolutely ("utterly, completely, entirely") vertical.

Thanks Platypus & ESC, I now see the error of my ways - well with plums anyway. What a difference a 'b' can make.

And Brian, how you bring back fond memories. Plumb loco reminds me of Cisco and Poncho.