Kool-Aid

American  

[kool-eyd] / ˈkulˌeɪd /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a powdered mix used to make a sugary, fruit-flavored drink.

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noun

1. a drink made from this mix.

idioms

1. drink the Kool-Aid, to support or believe in something in a blindly enthusiastic way.

   A level-headed reporter, he didn’t drink the Kool-Aid on the tax issue.

Etymology

Origin of Kool-Aid

Kool-Aid def. 3 in reference to the 1978 Jonestown Massacre, in which a cult leader supposedly convinced followers to drink a poisoned beverage

Example Sentences

Kraft Heinz, known for Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Mac and Cheese, Jell-O and Kool-Aid brands, reported a year-over-year sales decline for the ninth straight quarter, as sales in North America offset continued growth in overseas markets.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

With billions of dollars at stake, they just couldn’t overcome the temptation to drink their own Kool-Aid.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

Bowling coach Jeetan Patel was drinking the Kool-Aid when it was put to him Bashir had become unselectable during the third Test in Adelaide.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

At the end of the day, everybody drinks the same Kool-Aid.

From Salon • May 6, 2025

“The Kool-Aid was just the thing we disagreed about this time. It could have been the carpet, the toothpaste, even the weather—we just can’t seem to agree about anything anymore.”

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper