IdiomThe AbsurdEnglish

what have you been smoking?

Meaning: Said to someone whose idea sounds crazy.

Example: “You want to quit your job to become a mime? What have you been smoking?”

Origin: A joking suggestion that the person must be high on drugs. It is slang from the late 20th century.

Equivalents in other languages

More English idioms

Explore another collection: Proverbs

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Browse all proverbs →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →