tinfoil

American  

[tin-foil] / ˈtɪnˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. tin, or an alloy of tin and lead, in the form of a thin sheet, much used as a wrapping for drugs, foods, tobacco, etc.

---

tinfoil British  

/ ˈtɪnˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. thin foil made of tin or an alloy of tin and lead

2. thin foil made of aluminium; used for wrapping foodstuffs

---

Usage

What is a tinfoil hat? Tinfoil hat is a shorthand for saying someone believes in conspiracy theories, is paranoid, or is crazy more generally.

Etymology

Origin of tinfoil

First recorded in 1425–75, tinfoil is from the late Middle English word tynfoile. See tin, foil ²

Example Sentences

The founder of the “Golden Tinfoil Hat,” a nonprofit organization aimed at demystifying and combating disinformation and conspiracy thinking, she and her colleagues have made themselves available to anyone interested since 2014.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2021

Tinfoil was found stuffed in the exhaust pipe of the vehicle with the garage door closed, but detectives discovered something strange.

From Fox News • Jan. 30, 2019

Tinfoil hats will not protect you against alien brain control unless you wear them with the shiny side facing outward.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2017

Tinfoil, which opens in October, is where Fall is again teaming up with Cailan to create an old-school sandwich-oriented deli. In the store area, Fall is curating a mixture of high-end and affordable spirits.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2016

“Our friend is not himself,” said Mr Tinfoil, producing a key bugle; “but— “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, and rend the knotted oak.

From Jacob Faithful by Marryat, Frederick