The word "瘾君子" is formed through a deliberate and ironic juxtaposition of concepts. It combines "瘾", meaning "addiction", with "君子", a term deeply rooted in Confucian tradition denoting a "gentleman", "superior person", or "man of noble character". This pairing creates a sarcastic euphemism; it dresses the undignified state of being an addict in the language of cultivated respectability, thereby highlighting the tragic or contemptible gap between the person's condition and the societal ideal. The term’s power and recognition come from this stark, almost humorous contrast, softening the bluntness of "addict" while simultaneously commenting on the degradation of the individual.