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Shopaholics: meaning, definitions and examples

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shopaholics

 

[ˌʃɒpəˈhɒlɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

obsessive buying

Shopaholics are people who have an irresistible compulsion to shop, often resulting in financial and emotional distress. This compulsive behavior is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with shopping and acquiring material possessions.

Synonyms

compulsive shopper, impulse buyer, spendthrift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopaholics

This term is often used to describe people who have a strong, often uncontrollable, urge to shop and spend money. It is commonly used in informal settings and can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or light-hearted tone.

  • Jenny and Alex are such shopaholics; they go shopping every weekend!
  • Being a shopaholic, Sarah often finds herself buying things she doesn’t really need.
compulsive shopper

This phrase is typically used in more serious or clinical discussions to describe someone with a compulsive need to shop, which can be a sign of underlying psychological issues. It is often used in formal contexts such as therapy or counseling.

  • As a compulsive shopper, Mike has accumulated massive credit card debt and is seeking help from a therapist.
  • The support group helps compulsive shoppers understand and manage their behaviors.
impulse buyer

This term is used to describe someone who makes spontaneous, unplanned purchases. It is generally used in everyday conversations and can describe both minor and more significant spending habits.

  • Sally is an impulse buyer and often regrets purchasing things she doesn't really need.
  • As an impulse buyer, John frequently adds items to his cart while waiting in checkout lines.
spendthrift

This word is often used in a negative context to describe someone who spends money carelessly and recklessly, often leading to wasteful spending. It can be used both formally and informally.

  • Calling him a spendthrift, his friends often worry about his financial future.
  • Her spendthrift habits have left her with very little savings.

Examples of usage

  • Many shopaholics find it difficult to resist the urge to buy things, even when they don't need them.
  • Shopaholics may experience feelings of guilt or shame after a shopping spree.
  • Shopaholics often use shopping as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Shopping can trigger feelings of happiness in the brain, similar to how food, drugs, and other rewards work.
  • Some individuals shop to cope with stress or emotional issues, leading to excessive spending even when they don’t have money.
  • The term 'compulsive shopping' is often used to describe a more serious behavior that resembles addiction.

Cultural Trends

  • The rise of online shopping has made it easier for shopaholics to indulge in their habits without leaving home.
  • Television shows like 'Extreme Couponing' and 'Hoarders' highlight various aspects of shopping behaviors in society.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday generate a frenzy of shopping, often attracting shopaholics to get the best deals.

Economic Impact

  • In many countries, consumer spending is a major driver of the economy, reflecting the significance of shopping habits.
  • Shopaholics contribute to the growth of retail sales, but their overspending can also lead to personal financial distress.
  • Certain brands have created loyalty programs specifically to target frequent shoppers, motivating them to spend even more.

Literature

  • The character Becky Bloomwood in the 'Shopaholic' series by Sophie Kinsella illustrates the humorous side of shopping addiction.
  • Books about financial literacy often address compulsive shopping, encouraging readers to reflect on their spending habits.
  • Literature sometimes portrays shopaholics as both comic relief and serious characters, emphasizing varying societal views on shopping.

Health and Wellness

  • Excessive shopping can lead to financial problems, affecting mental health and overall well-being.
  • Therapies for compulsive shopping include cognitive-behavioral techniques that help individuals recognize their triggers.
  • Support groups and websites exist for individuals seeking to manage their shopping habits and improve financial health.

Translations

Translations of the word "shopaholics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compradores compulsivos

🇮🇳 खरीदारी के दीवाने

🇩🇪 Kaufsüchtige

🇮🇩 pecandu belanja

🇺🇦 шопоголіки

🇵🇱 zakupoholicy

🇯🇵 買い物中毒者

🇫🇷 accros du shopping

🇪🇸 compradores compulsivos

🇹🇷 alışveriş bağımlıları

🇰🇷 쇼핑 중독자

🇸🇦 مدمنو التسوق

🇨🇿 nákupní maniaci

🇸🇰 nakupovacie maniaky

🇨🇳 购物狂

🇸🇮 nakupovalni odvisneži

🇮🇸 verslunarfíklar

🇰🇿 саудақұмарлар

🇬🇪 მაღაზიების მოყვარულები

🇦🇿 alış-verişə düşkünlər

🇲🇽 compradores compulsivos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,113, 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.