* Charles Dickens' Popularity: The phrase likely arose due to Charles Dickens' immense popularity in Victorian England. His eccentric characters, often portrayed as somewhat "mad" or outlandish, contributed to the association of his name with madness.
* Possible Origins: Several theories exist about the specific origin:
* "Dickens of a": Some suggest it stemmed from the phrase "Dickens of a...", meaning "a great deal" or "very much". This suggests someone who was "mad as a great deal" could be interpreted as extremely mad.
* "Mad as a Hatter": This common idiom could have influenced the shift to "mad as Dickens", particularly considering Dickens' famous portrayal of the Mad Hatter in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
* "Mad as a March Hare": Another popular idiom, also connected to Dickens' portrayal of the March Hare in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
* Evolution: It's likely the phrase evolved gradually through everyday use, building on Dickens' literary presence and the existing idioms about madness.
While the precise origin remains elusive, it's clear that the idiom "mad as Dickens" reflects Charles Dickens' lasting impact on English language and culture.