What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mainliner
Example
The mainliner was arrested for possession of heroin. [mainliner: noun]
Example
He prefers to mainline his drugs rather than snort them. [mainline: verb]
junkie
Example
The junkie was found passed out on the street corner. [junkie: noun]
Example
She's a known drug addict and has been struggling with her addiction for years. [addict: synonym for junkie]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Junkie is more commonly used than mainliner in everyday language. Junkie is a widely recognized term that can refer to addiction to any type of drug, while mainliner is a more specific term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mainliner and junkie?
Mainliner is a more formal term that is typically used in medical or clinical settings, while junkie is more informal and can be used in a variety of contexts.