The word amuck, which is generally spelt as 'amok' is usually used in the phrase 'running amok'. It is a Malay word and means something which is out of control. In the Philippines the same idea is referred to as 'juramentado'.
The phrase 'running amok' is often used in English speech to denote the actions of someone who, in the grasp of strongly felt emotion, gets a weapon and starts assaulting persons randomly, frequently with several fatalities. The slang phrase 'going postal' is quite similar in meaning and more commonly used today, to describe incidents such as a spree killing.
Some believe that Malays have a leaning to run amok, making this an instance of a cultural syndrome, although this is most definitely not the case.
The phrase 'running amok' is often used in English speech to denote the actions of someone who, in the grasp of strongly felt emotion, gets a weapon and starts assaulting persons randomly, frequently with several fatalities. The slang phrase 'going postal' is quite similar in meaning and more commonly used today, to describe incidents such as a spree killing.
Some believe that Malays have a leaning to run amok, making this an instance of a cultural syndrome, although this is most definitely not the case.