space cadet

noun

, Slang.

1. a person who appears to be in their own world or out of touch with reality.
2. a person who behaves oddly or seems stupefied or remote because of the influence of drugs; druggie.

space cadet

noun

1. slang.
   a person who is eccentric or out of touch with reality, as if affected by drugs

Word History and Origins

Origin of space cadet¹

1950–55, for sense “spaceman trainee”

Example Sentences

“There’s no way that Squeaky thought that up for herself,” he told The Times, describing her as a “space cadet.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Like, my mother is, like, a total space cadet,” Moon says, as the chorus croons “Valley girl” on repeat between lines.

From Los Angeles Times

“Bought a spaceship now I’m a space cadet/Big white mansion is my habitat.”

From New York Times

The Times called him a “space cadet” because of his penchant for landing in odd situations — like tumbling into the SeaWorld walrus pit as a child and getting locked inside a zoo after hours.

From Los Angeles Times

A Democratic super PAC on Saturday openly mocked Sen. Marco Rubio over his interest in UFOs, taunting the Florida Republican and dubbing him “a space cadet” and “rocket man.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• addict
• drug user
• substance abuser
• user