ID:48381
 

Poll: Is 'addicting' an actual word?

Yes 55% (10)
No 44% (8)

Login to vote.

I'm constantly hearing people say 'this game is addicting' instead of 'this game is addictive' but I can't seem to find an answer on whether 'addicting' is a legitimate word and whether it is being used correctly/incorrectly.
I looked around the internet for a while but according to the internet pretty much any random combination of letters is a proper word. As best as I can tell it is a semi-legitimate word in American English.

So can anyone with a basic understanding of English explain this one to me? Its like hearing someone scratch a chalk board. Maybe it wont be so bad if I know if its right or wrong.
It's an actual word...to me at least >_>
ad·dict (ə-dĭkt') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. ad·dict·ed, ad·dict·ing, ad·dicts
To cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance: The thief was addicted to cocaine.
To occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively: The child was addicted to video games.


It's an acceptable formation of the word, so it's real.
Check out:

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ addictive-versus-addicting.aspx

Usually, when I'm looking for the proper usage of a word, I'll type in "xxx vs xxx", and you get some good reading material:)