junk-food
UK[ˈdʒʌŋk fuːd]US[ˈdʒʌŋk fuːd]
n
food that is not healthy, for example because it contains a lot of fat, sugar, or artificial substances.
Morpheme Breakdown
junk
food
junk
worthless
food
nourishment
Etymology
the term "junk-food" is a modern compound, originating in american english around the mid-20th century. the word "junk" evolved from its original meaning of old rope or discarded material to broadly signify anything considered worthless or of poor quality. when combined with "food," a word of old english origin meaning nourishment, it creates a vivid metaphor: this type of sustenance is likened to useless or low-grade material. the compound thus logically conveys the concept of food that provides little nutritional value despite being palatable and convenient.
Analysis
Structure: junk (worthless) + food (nourishment)
junk: origin: middle english (possibly from old french 'junc', meaning 'rush' or 'reed', used for old rope). role: attributive noun, describing the type or quality.
food: origin: old english 'fōda'. role: head noun, the core concept being modified.
Examples
many schools are trying to ban junk-food from their cafeterias.
eating too much junk-food can lead to health problems.
he swapped his usual junk-food snacks for fruit and nuts.