[rukspc]

What does it mean when someone says they are a “space cadet”? I’ve never had someone describe themselves that way. I usually follow slang but had to look this one up. Have you ever heard this term before and was it something that described that person’s character or behavior?

[sabby]

I've called myself that many times. I use it in terms of my memory when it's not working very well and I've forgotten things.

[globularrae]

It means the person is spacey. They space out and daydream, they don't pay attention. I've been called this my whole life! I was the kid who was never ready to go when the bell rang and got to my next class late.

[avlady]

i'd say it is a term for air head. being spaced out alot. there was a tv show called commander Tom in the 60s and the kids were the space cadets. a term for them to relate to them to be a part of outer space in a space ship.

[Thunder Bow]

It is just a Label that should be ignored.

[okayall1]

Originally Posted by rukspc

What does it mean when someone says they are a “space cadet”? I’ve never had someone describe themselves that way. I usually follow slang but had to look this one up. Have you ever heard this term before and was it something that described that person’s character or behavior?

I think it can be used to tease someone who is dreamy or it can be derrogatory as well. It's a rather useless word personally.

[Idler]

it's slang for astronauts. Sort of like how librarians can be called bookworms, priests can be called frauds, etc.

[LiteraryLark]

A space cadet is someone who spaces out or daydreams more than others. Sometimes they are forgetful or don't pay attention.

[Thunder Bow]

In the 70s the term "Space Cadet" was applied to someone who was always high on drugs.

[thecrankyone]

generally some one who is lost in their head a lot and tends to be absent minded.

[jaynedough]

When I was a teen (many, many years ago), I had that nickname (as well as Lunchy... Out to lunch with Captain Crunch) b/c I dissociated alot. Never took offense. It wasn't said maliciously. It actually helped the people at the runaway house where I stayed know that I needed professional help.

I will say that I *do* understand that alot of people find those nicknames offensive.