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

See Examples For:

neatnik

Oh, right, I recalled, I’m a neatnik now.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

Montana is a neatnik and Blakeney and Noa are … less so.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2022

She likens Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus to Oscar and Felix, the slob and neatnik roommates in “The Odd Couple.”

From New York Times ● Sep. 29, 2021

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