have kangaroos in (one's)/the top paddock

have kangaroos in (one's)/the top paddock

To act, think, or behave in an eccentric, foolish, or nonsensical manner; to be insane. Primarily heard in Australia. Tommy must have kangaroos in the top paddock if he thinks he can convince Mom to let him get a tattoo for his birthday. There's an old lady who stands on the corner yelling at strangers all day. I think she might have kangaroos in her top paddock.See also: have, kangaroo, paddock, top

have kangaroos in your top paddock

or

have kangaroos in the top paddock

AUSTRALIAN, INFORMALIf you say that someone has kangaroos in their top paddock or has kangaroos in the top paddock, you mean that they have strange ideas or are crazy. Some people think I must have a few kangaroos in the top paddock. Note: Roos can be used instead of kangaroos. A guy who pretends to understand women has got roos in his top paddock. Compare with have bats in the belfry. Note: A paddock is a small field next to a farm or stable. The idea is of having wild animals there instead of farm animals. See also: have, kangaroo, paddock, top

have kangaroos in the (or your) top paddock

be mad or eccentric. Australian informal 1985 Peter Carey Illywacker ‘And he was a big man too, and possibly slow-witted.’ ‘Leichhardt?’ ‘No, Bourke…He had kangaroos in his top paddock.’ See also: have, kangaroo, paddock, top