Addictive vs Addicting

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DQuaN

DQuaN

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So many times now I have seen people on the internet say how a game is very addicting, or a website is very addicting.

I don't know why but it really looks odd. Is it common for Americans to use this word instead of addictive.

I would say that I find a game addictive.

Is everyone saying it wrong, or is it considered correct in America?


This may not warrant it's own thread, but it really vexes me when I read it.

To the Fatmouse thread! 💡
 
Dictionary.com
ad·dict ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-dkt)
tr.v. ad·dict·ed, ad·dict·ing, ad·dicts
1. To cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance: The thief was addicted to cocaine.
2. To occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively: The child was addicted to video games.

ad·dic·tive ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-dktv)
adj.
1. Causing or tending to cause addiction: an addictive substance.
2. Characterized by or susceptible to addiction: an addictive personality.
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Looks to be roughly the same to me, but I would say addictive is the more correct term if I had to choose. I tend to say addictive myself.
 
I've noticed this in the past but just thought it was one of those things...a peculiarity from across the pond. Personally I think addictive sounds better, addicting just sounds like something a child would say (no offence intended :) )
 
"Addictive" sounds right to me. Coloring or shading a word is best used with an adjective.

Example: Crack cocaine can be addictive.

"Addicting" is a verb, by placing -ing at the end of a noun.

Besides, we Americans like setting things on fire (or at least painting flames on things), and overusing the word "ultimate" and "extreme".
 
And name your cars after the elemntsof natural disasters. Another thing that americans use alot is the word putrid. Ive never heard a non american use that word. Ive even heard xzibit use it.!! Then theres beverage and we call everything "drink". Drink can be alchohol to a bottle of pepsi but when one does want a bottle of water one says water.
 
I don't sense a real difference between 'addictive' and 'addicting', though, like pupik, I tend to use the former.

The mistake that annoys me is that many people use the word 'compulsive' when they mean 'compelling'. They are two entirely different meanings - they're even reversed in the direction of their action. I've even seen this mistake on a number of book jackets, in reviews.
 
I believe that addictive is the correct word to use, because addicting isn’t even in the Oxford American dictionary; I bet it was invented when somebody was trying to think of the adjective form of addict, and decided to add –ing (which is how some adjectives are made), not realizing that there was already a word (addictive).
 
Young_Warrior
Another thing that americans use alot is the word putrid. Ive never heard a non american use that word.
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Putrid is not a commonly-used word in Britain, but it is used.

There are loads of words that are used incorrectly. Duke is absolutely right to point out the continual inappropriate use of "compulsive". And Pupik is right in saying that "Ultimate" and "Extreme" are over-used. Sadly though, the phenomenon is not restricted to the US. It's everywhere. There seems to be a universal obsession with superlatives. Frankly, if it's not "ultimate" or "world's best" or "most extreme", it's not good enough to be pulped and force-fed to the masses on low budget cable TV shows.

I get annoyed by poor spelling, grammar and vocabulary all the time. And I get harrassed by people who claim that I'm being picky. But when they want something written, and written well, they always come to me! My job title should be changed to "Producer of the mot juste".

Some of the more obvious:

At an escalator: "Dogs must be carried." Does this mean that if I do not have a dog, I cannot use the escalator?

"This piece is very unique". Hello numbskull! "Unique" is binary. It is either on or off. Something is unique or it is not. There are no grades of uniqueness.

"New and improved!!!!!111!1!" Which is it? A new product/service? Or an improved version of a previous product/service? It cannot be new AND improved.

I'll probably come up with more later.
 
Young_Warrior
Another thing that americans use alot is the word putrid.
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The Federal Drug Administration has a term for that. However, I've rarely heard anyone use that word where I live. Maybe Xzibit was looking for a word that rhymed with it?

Around these parts, people just say "it's nasty", and "disgusting". (Of course, it's always followed by someone passing you the "putrid" drink to taste for yourself, and agree with them, for some reason.)
 

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