To go ballistic

[Olenek]

Hi everybody,
I have found in one Russian dictionary the idiom: To go ballistic. Is it really used in UK or USA nowdays? And how often? Thanks!

 

[Tdol]

You hear it used in the UK sometimes. It's not very common, but also not that unusual.

 

[riquecohen]

You hear it used in the UK sometimes. It's not very common, but also not that unusual.

It is, perhaps, more common in the US.

 

[JTRiff]

not teacher

Yes it is. Refers to ballistic missiles - boom!

 

[Vidor]

not a teacher

Means "to get very angry", and is fairly common.

 

[SanMar]

Re: not a teacher

Means "to get very angry", and is fairly common.

I agree and would also add that it is a display of that anger.
Someone exploding with anger for example ..
When she found out that she had lost the contest she went ballistic and started throwing stuff.

Maybe it's just me but this idiom has an element of humour to it. It seems to be said in a slightly funny way or at least I find it a bit funny. Does anyone else agree/disagree?

Not a teacher.