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

He once described himself as a “politics junkie” and even in retirement he kept a close eye on Stormont, Westminster and the Dáil.

From BBC

Why did the mostly abstemious Cher pursue a relationship with a known junkie?

From Los Angeles Times

To some he was a "dealer junkie" and narcissist obsessed with his own myth.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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