Insanely is just operating as a term of emphasis in this context. Maybe that's not an easy translation?

One definition for "insanely" is [0]:

> to an extreme degree.

[0] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insanely

Seems like a pretty typical use of the word "insane" in the US.

it's kind of insane to me that this is seen as insane, if I'm honest

Yes, I agree. That's probably why hintymad shared the context of not being raised in the US.

The cultural difference doesn't seem like something to "cringe" over. I also don't think the hyperbolic use is restricted to the US. Pretty much any english speaking country will use "insane" to describe something with emphasis. Certainly normal in the UK and Australia.

> I also don't think the hyperbolic use is restricted to the US.

Strictly restricted? Of course not. But for what it's worth I've been told by numerous Europeans that they perceive casually throwing around extreme hyperbole to be characteristically American behavior. I guess it goes with waitresses pretending to love you.

Wait til you find out that "sick" and "ill" can also be synonyms for "really great".

Didn’t Steve Jobs make that usage of ‘insane’ popular in SV?

I think so. I think he also coined a number of other annoyingly ubiquitous speech patterns, like "Do X. Fast."

I thought it came from surfers/skateboarders.