Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
app slave

app slave

8.5
A person who checks and uses phone apps all the time
  • noun
  • /æp sleɪv/
  • Offensive
translation icon : esclavo de las apps
  • He is such an app slave that he checks his phone every five minutes.

Examples

  • She tries not to become an app slave by limiting her screen time each day.

  • Don't be an app slave during dinner!

  • He realized he was an app slave when he couldn't resist checking every notification instantly.

  • Many teens today risk turning into app slaves if they're not careful with their phone use.

  • He realized he was an app slave when he couldn't resist checking every notification instantly.

  • Many teens today risk turning into app slaves if they're not careful with their phone use.

  • She tries not to become an app slave by limiting her screen time each day.

Synonyms

slave
vsapp slave
292 4.7

A person controlled by something, for example work or technology

refers more to habitual checking of phones than general figurative control
addict
vsapp slave
  • Informal
37 4.7

A person who likes an activity very much and spends a lot of time doing it

describes a persistent dependence on smartphone use rather than broad enthusiasm
compulsive
vsapp slave
1 7.3

A person who cannot control repeated actions or habits

focuses specifically on constant smartphone checking rather than general urges
smartphone zombie
vsapp slave
  • Offensive
6.6

A person who looks at their phone and ignores their surroundings while walking

involves ongoing dependence and constant checking, not only being oblivious

How Dependent

app slave
  • Offensive
8.5
user
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

app slave singular
app slaves plural

Morphology

app + slave

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'app' (short for application, i.e. mobile software) with 'slave' (used figuratively for someone controlled by or dependent on something). This is a productive and transparent pattern (X + slave = person dominated by X) that a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand.

Etymology

App slave paints a simple picture: an app is a phone program and a slave is someone who cannot break free. So, it means a person who is 'constantly checking' or who cannot stop using their apps.