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

See Examples For:

Kool-Aid

“You just have to be a Kool-Aid drinker that’s like, ‘Hey, this exponential stuff is gonna pay off.’”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

In Maurice’s case with his career, he did drink the Kool-Aid.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

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

Dakota shared Kool-Aid with the kids from the Dionysus cabin.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan