-aholic
suffix
A suffix used to form nouns that describe a person who is addicted to or obsessively fond of something.
Example Sentences
A workaholic often struggles to maintain a work-life balance.
He's such a chocoholic that he can't resist eating chocolate daily.
Shopaholics are known for their excessive and often compulsive shopping habits.
A bookaholic can spend entire weekends immersed in their favorite novels.
Her love for traveling has made her a travelaholic, always planning her next trip.
Some gymaholics spend hours every day exercising and pushing their physical limits.
The term 'caffeineaholic' humorously describes someone addicted to coffee or energy drinks.
He jokingly referred to himself as a 'Netflixaholic,' always binge-watching series.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix indicating addiction, obsession, or intense enthusiasm.The suffix '-aholic' is used to describe someone who is excessively addicted to or obsessed with something. It is derived from 'alcoholic,' initially referring to alcohol addiction, and later expanded to other contexts. Examples include 'workaholic' for someone addicted to working, 'shopaholic' for excessive shopping, and 'chocoholic' for a strong love of chocolate. While primarily informal, this suffix conveys an intense fixation or enthusiasm. It is mostly used humorously or colloquially to exaggerate one's fondness for a particular activity or thing.
Alternatives
Instead of '-aholic,' use phrases like 'enthusiast,' 'devotee,' or 'fanatic.' For example, say 'work enthusiast' instead of 'workaholic' or 'chocolate lover' instead of 'chocoholic.' These alternatives are more neutral and versatile in tone.
Writing
When using '-aholic' terms in writing, consider the tone and audience. These terms are informal and often playful, so they are suitable for casual, humorous, or personal contexts but may seem inappropriate in formal or professional writing. For broader audiences, provide additional context to clarify the term's meaning if necessary.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, '-aholic' terms are common and widely understood in informal settings. They add a humorous or exaggerated tone when describing someone's habits or preferences, making them suitable for lighthearted discussions.
Etymology
The suffix '-aholic' originated in the mid-20th century, based on 'alcoholic,' a term referring to someone addicted to alcohol. Its adoption into broader contexts reflects the playful flexibility of modern English. The use of '-aholic' has since become a popular way to describe extreme enthusiasm or obsession, often in a humorous manner.