What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pillmonger
Example
The pillmonger was caught with a large stash of prescription drugs. [pillmonger: noun]
Example
She was accused of being a pillmonger, selling prescription drugs to her friends. [pillmonger: adjective]
pusher
Example
The police arrested the drug pusher for selling cocaine. [pusher: noun]
Example
He was known as a pusher, always trying to get his friends to try drugs. [pusher: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pusher is a more commonly used term than pillmonger in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of illegal drug activities. Pillmonger is a less common term and is more specific to the illegal distribution of prescription drugs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pillmonger and pusher?
Both pillmonger and pusher are informal terms and are not appropriate for formal contexts. However, pusher may be more widely recognized and understood in casual conversation.