JUNK FOOD Definition & Meaning

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junk food

noun

food, as potato chips or candy, that is high in calories but of little nutritional value.
anything that is attractive and diverting but of negligible substance.
the junk food offered by daytime television.

junk food

noun

food that is low in nutritional value, often highly processed or ready-prepared, and eaten instead of or in addition to well-balanced meals

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

junk-food adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of junk food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

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Idioms and Phrases

Prepackaged snack food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value; also, anything attractive but negligible in value. For example, Nell loves potato chips and other junk food, or When I'm sick in bed I often resort to TV soap operas and similar junk food. [c. 1970]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the battle over the origin story of the spicy junk food will remain in play for now.

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The government has announced several measures to tackle childhood obesity, including restrictions on junk food advertising on TV, takeaways opening near schools and a ban on multi-buy promotions.

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Meanwhile, calls for banning "junk food" from the program raise difficult questions about personal choice, public health and the practicalities of enforcement.

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Indian physicians say abdominal obesity is rising due to lifestyle changes - more junk food, takeaways, instant meals and greasy home cooking.

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A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said government was committed to turning the tide on obesity, taking bold action to crack down on child-targeted junk food advertising on TV and online.

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junketeer junkie

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