Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈʌŋkiz] (IPA) 
The word "junkies" is spelled with the letter "j" which represents the sound /dʒ/. The vowel sound /ʌ/ is represented by the letter "u". The letters "n" and "k" represent their respective sounds /n/ and /k/. The letter "i" represents the short vowel sound /ɪ/, and the ending "-es" is pronounced as /iz/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "junkies" is /ˈdʒʌŋkiz/. This word is commonly used to refer to people who are addicted to drugs.
Junkies, as a plural form of the noun "junkie," refers to individuals who are addicted to drugs, particularly narcotics or other controlled substances. The term carries a derogatory connotation and is often used in an offensive or judgmental manner. Junkies are individuals who have developed a strong dependence on drugs, making them compelled to actively seek, acquire, and consume these substances on a regular basis.
Junkies typically display symptoms of addiction that may include cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued drug use despite negative consequences to their physical and mental health, relationships, and societal functioning. The addiction to narcotics or other substances that junkies experience is often marked by a loss of control over their drug usage, as well as the prioritization of obtaining drugs over essential aspects of life like employment, personal relationships, and basic hygiene.
The term may extend beyond its original context of drug addiction and be used metaphorically or informally to describe individuals with an intense enthusiasm or craving for something, often in a non-addictive sense. However, it is essential to exercise caution when employing such usage, as the term retains a judgmental overtone and can perpetuate stigmatization toward those experiencing substance abuse disorders.
Overall, "junkies" is a term that describes individuals with a drug addiction, but its usage should be handled with sensitivity to avoid reinforcing stigma or perpetuating negative stereotypes associated with drug dependency.
The word "junkies" is derived from the term "junk", which originated in the 1920s as a slang term for narcotics, particularly heroin. The exact origin of "junk" as a term for narcotics is uncertain, but it possibly emerged from the notion that these drugs were of low quality or worthless, similar to junk or trash. Over time, "junk" became associated specifically with heroin addiction and those who were dependent on the drug. Consequently, "junkies" came to refer to individuals who were addicted to heroin or other narcotics. The term has since become more generalized to include any person heavily dependent on drugs.
