Definition

Noun: A person who is addicted to shopping; a compulsive buyer who feels an irresistible urge to shop, often resulting in excessive spending.

Usage

The word "shopaholic" is used to describe someone whose shopping habits are excessive and potentially problematic. It implies a lack of control and a psychological compulsion, similar to other addictions. It is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.

Examples

• She is a shopaholic who fills her closet with clothes she never wears.
• Recognizing he was a shopaholic, he sought help to manage his spending.
• The documentary explored the lives of shopaholics and their debt.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a self-deprecating or humorous way, though it describes a serious behavioral issue.
  • "I went to the mall for one thing and came back with ten. I'm such a shopaholic!"
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
  • He has a shopaholic tendency that emerges during the holidays.

Variants and Related Words

• Shopaholism (noun): The condition or behavior of being a shopaholic.
  • Her shopaholism led to significant financial strain.

Synonyms

• Compulsive shopper
• Spendthrift (though this emphasizes spending money freely rather than the addictive compulsion)
• Big spender

Antonyms

• Frugal person
• Saver
• Miser (extreme and negative connotation)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Retail therapy: The act of shopping to improve one's mood, often used humorously but can be related to shopaholic behavior.
  • After a bad week, she engaged in some retail therapy.

Noun

1. a compulsive shopper
   • shopaholics can never resist a bargain