neatnik

American  

[neet-nik] / ˈnit nɪk /

noun

Slang.

1. a person who is extremely neat about surroundings, appearance, etc..

   Sandra is such a neatnik that it makes me crazy—I don't care how tidy her desk is, but she keeps trying to tidy my desk!

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Etymology

Origin of neatnik

First recorded in 1955–60; neat ¹ ( def. ) + -nik ( def. ), by analogy with beatnik ( def. )

Explanation

If you've ever known someone who's kind of obsessed with being neat and tidy, then you're familiar with the concept of a neatnik. We can't really talk about neatnik without also talking about beatnik, a slang term for a member of the countercultural "Beat Generation" that emerged in the U.S. in the 1950s. The stereotypical beatnik was a nonconformist, anti-establishment, rather unkempt, artsy person. The word neatnik emerged as a kind of humorous antonym, referring to an especially neat, clean, and organized person, in contrast to the looser, more easygoing beatnik.

Example Sentences

And growing up in an all-white Art Deco house on Staten Island, with a neatnik mother who died when he was 23, Mr. Buatta developed an allergy to minimalism.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2020

In her blockbusters, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and “Spark Joy,” Kondo’s neatnik, folding-obsessed persona felt comedic.

From Washington Post • Jun. 8, 2017

While Kronman set about making an excellent pork-and-veal ragout, his kids needled him about his neatnik pencil drawer and devotion to the World Fishing Network.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 16, 2017

Oscar Madison is a macho slob; Felix Unger, a neatnik snob.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2015

Now "The Odd Couple" is back, this time on CBS with former "Friends" star Matthew Perry as the grouchy slob Oscar Madison and "Reno 911's" Thomas Lennon as the prissy neatnik Felix Unger.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2015