The term “tinfoil hat” is used to mock those who believe in conspiracy theories or wear aluminum foil hats to protect against mind control or electromagnetic radiation. While such hats can reduce EMR, they are not foolproof and wearing one is often seen as a sign of mental instability. The term is used to discredit conspiracy theories and is often used in a derogatory way.
The term tinfoil hat is generally used as a derogatory comment towards someone promoting a conspiracy theory or other story that is considered unbelievable. It seems to have been coined to describe people who claimed to have sighted UFOs or claimed to have been previously abducted by aliens. It was suggested that such a person might wear a hat made of aluminum foil to prevent aliens from intercepting his brain waves. There are some people who actually build such hats, however they believe they will protect against mind control programs, radio waves, and electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
In fact, a type of device made of aluminum or aluminum foil can help reduce EMR. It is not foolproof, as hats or other protective gear are not solid structures. Electromagnetic radiation is also said to be harmless, despite possible prior concerns.
Some people also say that those who promote conspiracy theories or government conspiracies are part of a tinfoil hat brigade, or tinfoil hat group. Suspected members of such a group may or may not believe that a tinfoil hat is useful. Anyone actually wearing that hat is generally considered to be mentally disturbed. The term is most often used to ridicule people, even those who would never consider wearing accessories made from aluminum foil. The wilder the conspiracy theory, the more likely the term is to be used.
Often times, when discussions of various conspiracy theories break out, comments referring to tinfoil hats are used to discredit the person attempting to promote a cover-up or other questionable act by a government. On political message boards, people say things like “I see you’re wearing your tinfoil hat,” to show that they think the theory is baseless and that the person suggesting it is simply paranoid. It can also be used in a self-deprecating way, such as saying, “I know you’ll think I’m wearing a tinfoil hat, but I think this conspiracy is real.”
A tinfoil hat may also be known as a tinfoil helmet. Studies have been conducted to test its effectiveness, although they are often not given much credibility. There are also people who sell hats made from this material, and many are available in joke shops and online. It could make a good gag gift if given in the spirit of fun.
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