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

The comedian said he’s a news junkie, and although he has tried to avoid obsessing over the news, he said he knew by nightfall he’d be looking for his news fix as the election results came in.

From Los Angeles Times

Is he just an adrenaline junkie and thrill seeker?

From Salon

He wasn’t an adrenaline junkie until the end.

From Salon

With him being an adrenaline junkie, there is something that goes with this lifestyle — robbing, and driving away, and being pursued, and going into hiding, and feeling all the pressure that comes with that.

From Salon

The “Pitch Perfect” and “Up in the Air” star has said the new film “was never a money-making venture” for her,” telling SiriusXM’s “Crime Junkie AF” podcast host Ashley Flowers that she didn’t feel right about taking a paycheck from the project.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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