tinfoil hat
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conspiracy theorist
A derogatory, colloquial term for a person who believes in conspiracy theories. The term alludes to the idea that such headwear protects against mind control or harmful radiation.
Seit er überall geheime Zeichen der Regierung sieht, nennen ihn seine alten Freunde nur noch einen Aluhut.
Ever since he started seeing secret government signs everywhere, his old friends have just called him a tinfoil hat.
tinfoil hat
A hat that is actually made of aluminum foil. It is usually worn as a joke, for a costume, or as part of satire.
Für die Faschingsparty als Außerirdischer bastelte er sich einen großen Aluhut.
For the carnival party as an alien, he made himself a big tinfoil hat.
The word is made up of 'Alu' (short for aluminum) and 'Hut' (hat). So it literally describes a hat made of aluminum foil, which is the basis for the figurative meaning.
Er hat sich zum Spaß einen Aluhut aufgesetzt.
He put on a tinfoil hat for fun.
As a term for a person, 'Aluhut' (tinfoil hat / conspiracy theorist) is very colloquial and is used as a derogatory insult. In formal or neutral contexts, you should avoid the term.
In der Online-Diskussion wurde er sofort als Aluhut beschimpft.
In the online discussion, he was immediately insulted as a tinfoil hat.
The literal meaning (a homemade hat) appears almost only in contexts such as carnival, costumes, or satire. In all other cases, especially in discussions about media or politics, the figurative meaning 'Verschwörungstheoretiker' (conspiracy theorist) is meant.
Sein Kostüm bestand nur aus einem Schlafanzug und einem Aluhut.
His costume consisted only of pajamas and a tinfoil hat.
The expression 'einen Aluhut tragen' (to wear a tinfoil hat) or 'einen Aluhut aufhaben' (to have a tinfoil hat on) is often used figuratively. It then means that someone believes in conspiracy theories.
Manche Leute scheinen bei diesem Thema wirklich einen Aluhut aufzuhaben.
Some people really seem to have a tinfoil hat on when it comes to this topic.
conspiracy theorist
Verschwörungstheoretiker describes a person based on their belief in secret conspiracies. Aluhut also refers to such a person, but it is colloquial and strongly derogatory. Verschwörungstheoretiker is suitable for a more factual statement, while Aluhut is used as a mocking or insulting term.
Im Streit nennt ihn sein Nachbar abwertend einen Aluhut, weil er geheime Mächte hinter vielen Ereignissen sieht.
During the argument, his neighbor insultingly calls him a tinfoil hat because he sees secret powers behind many events.
In dem sachlichen Bericht wird er als Verschwörungstheoretiker bezeichnet, weil er geheime Mächte hinter vielen Ereignissen sieht.
In the factual report, he is described as a conspiracy theorist because he sees secret powers behind many events.
