1. A person who is undergoing a manic episode. Can often seem like the person has had a dozen coffees at once.
Symptoms may include increased speech, a rush of thoughts/hard to follow thought trains, compulsive movements (
Finger tapping, dancing, darting head movements etc.) excessive energy, reduced need to sleep (Sometimes going for a week or more without sleeping) and increased appetite.
Can also include boosted confidence, a feeling of almost euphoric happiness, increased production of adrenalin and/or endorphins, excessive or lack of libido and a highly reduced sense or fear of danger.
Often highly intelligent and eccentric, though hard to talk to without going far off topic or spending hours listening to one giant spontanious rant.
Most common in people with the medical conditions mania, manic depression or
hypomania.
2. A descriptor applied to people meaning to display a near
obsessive love of something. See also: otaku
Example:
1. John is a
maniac. He often goes days without sleep and seems to never stop moving, plus he seems to always be far ahead of his work.
2. Harry is such a footballmaniac. He's been to every
home game this season and won't stop talking about it. He's even
painted his car in his teams colors!