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.
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.
crackpot / spinner
'der Spinner' and 'der Aluhut' are both colloquial and derogatory. With both, you can say that you do not take a person or their ideas seriously. 'Spinner' is more general: it can be about crazy plans, strange behavior, or odd opinions. 'Aluhut' is more specific and fits especially for people who believe in conspiracy theories. If it is not about conspiracy ideas, 'Aluhut' is usually not precise. 'Spinner' is broader, but also insulting.
Nach seinen Geschichten über geheime Weltpläne nannten ihn einige Kollegen einen Aluhut.
After his stories about secret world plans, some colleagues called him a tinfoil hat.
Wir dachten zuerst, er sei ein Spinner, weil er im Zug laut von einem Flug zum Mond erzählte.
At first we thought he was a crackpot because he was talking loudly on the train about a flight to the moon.