Definition & Meaning of "impulse buy"in English

What does "impulse buy" mean in shopping slang?

It is used to describe a purchase made spontaneously or on a whim, without prior planning or careful consideration, often triggered by a sale, attractive display, or emotional state. People typically say "This was a total impulse buy" or "I need to stop making impulse buys" when regretting or acknowledging unplanned purchases. The term originated in marketing and consumer psychology during the mid 20th century, later becoming everyday slang for any unplanned shopping decision.