space cadet
Plural
space cadets
1
a person who is perceived as being absent-minded or out of touch with reality
The origin of the idiom "space cadet" can be traced back to the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s. It emerged during the space race era when interest in space exploration was on the rise. The phrase often carries a playful or lighthearted tone, but it can also carry a slight negative connotation, implying a lack of seriousness or engagement.
- During the meeting, he seemed like a space cadet, staring out the window and not paying attention to anything.
- He's a brilliant scientist, but he can be a bit of a space cadet when it comes to everyday tasks.
- My friend is such a space cadet that she once left her keys in the refrigerator.
- She's always daydreaming and forgetting things; she's a total space cadet.