junkie

or junk·y

[ juhng-kee ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural junk·ies.

1. Disparaging and Offensive. a person addicted to drugs, especially one addicted to heroin.
2. a person with an insatiable craving for something:

   a chocolate junkie.

3. an enthusiastic follower; fan; devotee:

   a baseball junkie.

junkie

/ ˈdʒʌŋkɪ /

noun

1. an informal word for a drug addict, esp one who injects heroin into himself

Word History and Origins

Origin of junkie¹

First recorded in 1920–25; junk ³ + -ie

Example Sentences

Is he just an adrenaline junkie and thrill seeker?

From Salon

“He’s what I call a football junkie,” Collins said.

From Los Angeles Times

A lifelong news junkie, he grew up glued to the “Today” show and “60 Minutes.”

From Los Angeles Times

In some ways, I feel like a conspiracy junkie who has relapsed, mainlining paranoia and dread.

From Salon

When she and Richards became junkie parents on the run, flitting from Britain to France to the Swiss Alps, Pallenberg ran up against the limits of freedom as a rock wife and mom.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• addict
• drug abuser
• drug addict
• drug fiend
• narcotics addict