viciante

Viciante is an adjective used in Portuguese to describe something that has the capacity to cause addiction or to form a habit. It is commonly applied to substances, activities, or experiences with strong, repetitive appeal. The term derives from the noun vício, meaning habit or addiction. In everyday language, phrases such as "esse jogo é viciante" or "a bebida é viciante" signal that the item is highly attractive and likely to be consumed or pursued repeatedly, though the statement remains informal and subjective.

In formal or clinical contexts, professionals typically distinguish between vício (addiction), dependência (dependence), and comportamento viciante (addictive behavior). The label viciante tends to be non-technical and can be seen as a general impression rather than a medical diagnosis. The term can also function as a noun in colloquial speech, for example "um viciante" to refer to an addictive item, or less commonly "ele é um viciante" to describe a person with addictive tendencies, though the latter usage may carry stigma.

Regional usage varies: the word is widely understood across Portuguese-speaking countries, but its tone is informal and may be influenced by context, media, and marketing. It is frequently used in reviews of games, apps, media, foods, or trends to convey high appeal or repetitiveness. Related terms include vício, dependência, viciar (to addict), and the borrowed anglicism addictive in bilingual contexts.

See also: addiction terminology, consumer culture, advertising.