Shopaholic: meaning, definitions and examples
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shopaholic
[ ʃɒpəˈhɒlɪk ]
shopping behavior
A shopaholic is a person who has a compulsive desire to shop, often purchasing unnecessary items and feeling unable to control their spending habits. This behavior can lead to financial problems and emotional distress. It is often considered a form of addiction.
Synonyms
compulsive shopper, shopaholism
Examples of usage
- She realized she was a shopaholic after accumulating debt from her purchases.
- His friends jokingly called him a shopaholic because he couldn't resist the sales.
- Being a shopaholic made it difficult for her to save money for important expenses.
Translations
Translations of the word "shopaholic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 comprador compulsivo
🇮🇳 खरीदारी की लत वाला
🇩🇪 Shopping-Süchtiger
🇮🇩 pecandu belanja
🇺🇦 шопоголік
🇵🇱 zakupoholicy
🇯🇵 ショッピング中毒者
🇫🇷 acheteur compulsif
🇪🇸 comprador compulsivo
🇹🇷 alışveriş bağımlısı
🇰🇷 쇼핑 중독자
🇸🇦 مدمن التسوق
🇨🇿 nákupní závislák
🇸🇰 nákupný závislák
🇨🇳 购物成瘾者
🇸🇮 odvisnik od nakupovanja
🇮🇸 verslunarfíkill
🇰🇿 сатып алуға тәуелді адам
🇬🇪 შოპინგის დამოკიდებული
🇦🇿 alış-veriş asılısı
🇲🇽 comprador compulsivo
Etymology
The term 'shopaholic' is a portmanteau of 'shopping' and 'alcoholic', suggesting a compulsive dependency similar to that experienced by substance abusers. It emerged in the 1980s, reflecting changes in consumer culture and the rise of credit card usage, which facilitated impulse buying. Psychologists have examined this phenomenon, linking it to issues such as low self-esteem, emotional distress, and the desire for social status. The coined term garnered media attention, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to more discussions about compulsive shopping as a form of behavioral addiction. The popularity of the concept of shopaholism has since influenced literature, film, and societal perceptions of consumer habits, often highlighting the fine line between purchasing for pleasure and engaging in detrimental financial behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,551, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.