Crackhead: meaning, definitions and examples

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crackhead

 

[ ˈkrakˌhɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

slang, drug addiction

A 'crackhead' is a colloquial term for a person who is addicted to crack cocaine, a powerful and illegal stimulant. This term often carries a derogatory connotation, emphasizing the negative effects of addiction on a person's behavior and lifestyle. Individuals identified as crackheads may engage in criminal activities to support their addiction and often exhibit physical and psychological decline due to their substance abuse. The term can also reflect society's stigma against drug users, complicating their struggles with addiction rather than promoting understanding or assistance.

Synonyms

addict, drug addict, junkie

Examples of usage

  • The streets were filled with crackheads looking for their next fix.
  • He lost his job because of his reputation as a crackhead.
  • The documentary shone a light on the lives of crackheads in inner cities.

Translations

Translations of the word "crackhead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 viciado em crack

🇮🇳 क्रैकहेड

🇩🇪 Crackkopf

🇮🇩 pecandu crack

🇺🇦 наркоман

🇵🇱 ćpun

🇯🇵 クラックヘッド

🇫🇷 toxicomane au crack

🇪🇸 adicto al crack

🇹🇷 crack bağımlısı

🇰🇷 크랙 헤드

🇸🇦 مدمن كراك

🇨🇿 závislák na cracku

🇸🇰 závislák na cracku

🇨🇳 吸毒者

🇸🇮 odvisnik od cracka

🇮🇸 krakfíkill

🇰🇿 крэкке тәуелді

🇬🇪 კრაკის მომხმარებელი

🇦🇿 krak bağımlısı

🇲🇽 adicto al crack

Etymology

The term 'crackhead' originates from the drug culture in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in the United States, as crack cocaine became increasingly prevalent. Crack cocaine, a cheap and potent form of cocaine, was associated with poverty and urban decay. The term combines 'crack'—referring to the crack cocaine itself—with 'head', a common suffix in slang that denotes someone addicted to a specific drug, such as 'pothead' for marijuana users. As crack use surged, so did the social stigma surrounding users, leading to the derogatory nature of the term 'crackhead.' This label has often overshadowed the complexities of addiction, turning individuals into stereotypes rather than recognizing their struggles as a public health issue.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,427, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.