njerimakinë

Njerimakinë is a term that has emerged in certain Albanian-speaking communities. It is a neologism, a portmanteau formed by combining the Albanian words "njeri" (human) and "makinë" (car). The term is often used colloquially to describe a person who is excessively or uncritically devoted to their automobile, treating it as an extension of themselves or prioritizing it above other aspects of their life.

The concept of "njerimakinë" can encompass various behaviors. This might include spending an inordinate amount of time and money on car maintenance, customization, or cleaning. It can also refer to individuals who derive a significant part of their identity and social standing from their vehicle. Such individuals may express strong emotional attachments to their cars, becoming upset at the slightest damage or wear. In some contexts, the term can carry a slightly humorous or even critical connotation, highlighting a perceived imbalance in a person's priorities. The phenomenon reflects a broader cultural engagement with automobiles as status symbols, tools for personal expression, and sources of pleasure.