Schnapsidee

Schnapsidee is a German colloquial noun describing a plan or idea that is impractical, ill-considered, or wildly ambitious, typically conceived while under the influence of alcohol. The term combines Schnaps, a generic word for spirits, with Idee (idea). It is used both humorously and critically to refer to schemes that seem brilliant when intoxicated but appear foolish or unfeasible in hindsight. The phrase can be used in singular or plural form: eine Schnapsidee, mehrere Schnapsideen.

Origin and use: The exact origin is not tied to a single event; it reflects a broader cultural motif in which alcohol is associated with impulsive decision-making. The expression has circulated in spoken language and in writing since at least the late 19th and 20th centuries, and is understood across German-speaking regions, including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland.

Nuance and context: As a social remark, it can function as lighthearted teasing among friends or as mild criticism of a plan. The term implies insufficient planning, feasibility concerns, or risk awareness but usually without malice. It is not a formal term and is typically avoided in serious professional writing.

Translations: In English, closest equivalents are harebrained idea, drunken whim, or crazy plan.