I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: screw (I) + ball
1. : a baseball pitch having reverse spin and a break in opposite direction to a curve
2. : one whose ideas, expressions, or actions are considered whimsical, eccentric, dizzily fantastic, or insane
II. adjective
1. : crazily eccentric or nonsensical : zany
carry on a screwball campaign in their editorial columns … to undo the work … done by their headlines — Canadian Forum
a fantastic ménage characterized by dabbling in the arts, screwball acquaintances drifting in and out, terrible tantrums, and soul-searching — New York Herald Tribune Book Review
2. : characterized by eccentric or whimsical responses to speech or action upon a pattern of otherwise normal behavior
screwball comedy
screwball heroine