Junkie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💉
junkie
[ˈdʒʌŋki ]
Definitions
drug addiction
A junkie is a person who is addicted to drugs, especially heroin or other opiates. Junkies often engage in risky behavior to obtain drugs, and their addiction can have severe physical and mental health consequences.
Synonyms
addict, drug abuser, junky, user.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| junkie |
Informal term often used derogatorily to describe someone addicted to drugs. It is usually used in casual conversations but can be considered offensive.
|
| addict |
General term for someone who is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance. It can be used in various settings, including medical or social ones.
|
| drug abuser |
A term often used in more formal settings or discussions about health and social issues. It describes someone who uses drugs in a harmful way.
|
| user |
A neutral term, generally used to refer to someone who uses drugs. It can be applied broadly and is often used in both clinical and informal contexts.
|
| junky |
Similar to 'junkie,' this is an informal and slang term. It carries a negative connotation and is often used in a derogatory manner.
|
Examples of usage
- Tommy used to be a junkie, but he's been clean for two years now.
- The city has a growing problem with junkies overdosing in public places.
obsessive enthusiast
In a more informal context, a junkie can also refer to a person who is extremely enthusiastic about a particular hobby or activity. For example, a music junkie is someone who is passionate about discovering and listening to new music.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| junkie |
Junkie is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is obsessively and destructively addicted to something, most commonly drugs.
|
| enthusiast |
Enthusiast is a neutral and widely-used word to describe someone who has a strong interest in a particular subject or activity, without implying obsession or extreme devotion.
|
| fanatic |
Fanatic has a strong, often negative connotation, describing someone who is obsessively enthusiastic about a particular interest, sometimes to an extreme or irrational degree.
|
| devotee |
Devotee is used positively to describe someone who is very dedicated and passionate about a specific interest, hobby, or cause. It implies a deep respect and commitment.
|
Examples of usage
- She's a real fashion junkie, always keeping up with the latest trends.
- He's a self-proclaimed book junkie, with a library filled with novels from various genres.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The term has been popularized in music and film, often used to depict characters struggling with addiction, as seen in movies like 'Trainspotting'.
- In the world of entertainment, 'junkies' can also refer to fans deeply passionate about specific genres, like 'movie junkies' or 'music junkies'.
- Television shows like 'Breaking Bad' explore the highs and lows of addiction, adding depth to the portrayal of 'junkies' in modern storytelling.
Psychology
- The word reflects deeper societal issues, highlighting the struggle between addiction and the pursuit of happiness.
- Research shows that addiction is not just about the substance but also involves changes in brain chemistry and behavior.
- Understanding addiction requires a compassionate view, focusing on recovery as a journey rather than merely labeling someone as a 'junkie'.
Literature
- In William S. Burroughs' novel 'Junkie', the term is examined through personal narratives, offering a raw look into the life of addiction.
- Poets like Charles Bukowski have also depicted the life of 'junkies', highlighting the struggles and the underbelly of society.
- Literature often portrays addiction not just as a vice but as a multifaceted human experience influenced by environment and mental health.
Health
- Addiction is recognized as a chronic disease by medical authorities, indicating that those labeled as 'junkies' often need professional treatment.
- Statistics show that the opioid crisis has led to a resurgence in the stigma surrounding addiction, affecting how 'junkies' are perceived socially.
- Harm reduction strategies aim to provide support to those struggling with addiction while minimizing the negative repercussions on their lives.
Origin of 'junkie'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated in the early 20th century, derived from 'junk' referring to discarded items, emphasizing the idea of being a 'user' of these substances.
- Originally, 'junkie' was associated more with the term 'junky,' which described someone living on the margins of society.
- By the 1950s, the word became closely linked with heroin users, shifting its meaning to represent drug dependence.
The term 'junkie' originated in the 1920s and was initially used to describe drug addicts, particularly those addicted to heroin. Over time, the word has also been adopted to refer to individuals with an intense passion or obsession for a particular activity or interest. The derogatory nature of the term when used in the context of drug addiction reflects societal attitudes towards substance abuse.