What does shopaholic mean?
A shopaholic is a person who has a strong desire to shop and buy things, often to the point of being compulsive. This term is often used to describe someone who has a compulsive shopping habit, but it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who enjoys shopping. The term is often associated with a negative connotation, implying that the person's shopping habits are excessive or problematic. Shopaholics often find ways to justify their purchases and may have difficulty stopping themselves from buying things. The term has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the context of consumer culture and the rise of online shopping. Despite its negative connotations, the term can also be used in a more lighthearted or humorous way to describe someone who simply enjoys shopping.
A person who has a strong desire to shop and buy things, often to the point of being compulsive.
"She's a shopaholic and has a huge credit card bill to show for it."
The term 'shopaholic' is often used to describe someone who has a compulsive shopping habit, but it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who enjoys shopping.
To shop excessively or compulsively.
"She shopaholics all day and has a huge credit card bill to show for it."
This sense of the word is less common, but can be used to describe someone who is engaging in excessive or compulsive shopping behavior.
The plural form is used to describe multiple people who have a compulsive shopping habit.
"They're both shopaholics and have huge credit card bills to show for it."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shopaholic
The term 'shopaholic' is a relatively recent coinage, dating back to the 1990s. It is believed to have originated in the UK, where it was used to describe someone who had a compulsive shopping habit. The term is thought to have been influenced by the term 'workaholic', which was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s. The term 'shopaholic' has since become widely used in both the UK and the US, and has been adopted into popular culture.
How shopaholic is actually used
The term 'shopaholic' is often used to describe someone who has a compulsive shopping habit, but it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who enjoys shopping. The term is often associated with a negative connotation, implying that the person's shopping habits are excessive or problematic.