The English suffix -nik is of Slavic origin. It approximately corresponds to the suffix "-er" and nearly always denotes an agent noun (that is, it describes a person related to the thing, state, habit, or action described by the word to which the suffix is attached). In the cases where a native English language coinage is possible, the "-nik"-word often bears an ironic connotation.

There were two main waves of the introduction of this suffix into English language. The first one is Yinglish words contributed by Yiddish speakers from Eastern Europe. The second surge was observed after the launch of the Sputnik by the Soviet Union.

1 Vocabulary
2 External link

[edit] Vocabulary

[edit] Mainstream

The words of significant context or usage:

Artnik, a UK publisher [1]; the word predates its establishment
Beatnik
Chainik
Otkaznik
Refusenik
Sputnik

[edit] Casual

Casual neologisms:

Alrightnik — one who has been successful (who has done all right); nouveau riche
Computernik — a computer geek
Muttnik
Neatnik — a neat-freak
No-goodnik — a lazy or incompetent person
Nudnik — an unsympathetic, boring or awkward person
Phudnik — a Nudnik with a PhD
Peacenik — a pacifist; a hippie

[edit] Jewish culture

Words originally used by Jews of Europe, America, and Israel, often referring to concepts related to their culture or nation:

Chabadnik or Habadnik — follower of Chabad
Kadimanik — member of United Synagogue Youth's Kadima program
Ka-tzetnik — an Nazi concentration camp prisoner or survivor, derived from abbreviation KZ, pronounced Ka-tzet
Kibbutznik — member of a Kibbutz
Lamedvavnik
Likudnik — supporter of Israeli political party Likud
Moshavnik — member of a Moshav
Shinuinik — supporter of Israeli political party Shinui
Netzernik- Member of the Netzer Olami youth movement