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Oniomaniacs Could Save the Global Economy

by Tina Kells | February 11, 2009 at 02:41 pm

382 views | 2 Recommendations | 2 comments

Addiction is usually a bad thing but there is one type of addict that may save the global economy... the Oniomaniac. No, Oniomaniacs are not addicted to onions, although judging by their name that would make sense, in fact they are not at all what the name suggests.

Kind of like a Shopaholic, an Oniomaniac literally can not stop shopping no matter how little money they may have. In these dark and dreary depression-esque times the compulsive pathology of the Oniomaniac may just be what saves us all.

Could the release of the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic be Hollywood's attempt to do its part for the economy and inspire the rest of us to emulate the Oniomaniac? Well, as the saying goes, "When times get tough, the tough go shopping!"

Oniomaniac Definition

An Oniomaniac is someone who has an uncontrollable desire to buy things. Apparently what this economy needs is citizens inflected with Oniomania.
With many businesses still struggling, we can’t seem to decide if we should be saving our money and paying off our debt or if we should turn into a bunch Oniomaniacs.

The word comes from the Greek onios = “for sale,” and mania = insanity.

Oniomaniac - an uncontrollable desire to buy things.
Now, all we need to do is figure out how to give the disease to everyone in the world. Come to think of it, I think most people in China already have the problem. Chinese have what is known as the be like ‘ems. If they can buy up ’stuff’ the way we do in the West they’ll find happiness. And if they have oniomaniac and buy more stuff with a reason, why they can even be happier.

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poor oligarch (not verified)

at 09:23 on February 12th, 2009

oniomania sounds precious close to onanism imho

zee16

at 23:29 on February 13th, 2009

This photo was very special. It was taken at a special moment and every time I look at it it reminds me of the chaotic mess people go through just to put smiles on faces. I named this photo "A black and white shopping spree" because I found it old fashioned yet very modern to society. I'm the type of person who is grateful for the things I own and the gifts I receive, it takes a lot of dedication and creative thought in this effort of pleasing weather if its for yourself or someone you care for. Especially in times like now.

zee16 has contributed a photo to this story.