Definition

Verb: 1. To ask for or obtain something, typically money or small items, by imposing on another's generosity; to beg or scrounge. This often implies a habitual or somewhat shameless behavior of seeking things for free rather than working for or purchasing them. 2. To get something by persuasion or wheedling; to sponge off others. This meaning emphasizes using flattery or persistent requests to obtain favors, goods, or hospitality without intending to reciprocate.

Usage

The verb "cadge" is typically used in informal contexts. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting laziness, opportunism, or a lack of self-sufficiency. It can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively.

Examples

• Transitive use (with an object):

  • He tried to cadge a cigarette from a stranger outside the pub.
  • She's always cadging lifts to work instead of taking the bus.
  • Can I cadge a pen from you? Mine has run out of ink.

• Intransitive use (without a specified object):

  • He lost his job and has been cadging off his friends ever since.
  • I'm not buying you a drink; stop cadging!

Advanced Usage

• "to cadge something from/off someone": This is the most common construction, specifying both the item obtained and the person providing it.
  • He's an expert at cadging free meals off his relatives.
• "to cadge a lift/ride": A common collocation meaning to get a free ride in someone's vehicle.
  • I had no car, so I had to cadge a lift to the airport.

Variants and Related Words

• Cadge (noun, archaic): A person who cadges; a beggar or hawker. This noun form is now rare.
• Cadger (noun): A person who habitually cadges.
  • Don't be such a cadger; buy your own coffee.

Synonyms

• Scrounge: To obtain by foraging or seeking out, often from various sources. Very close in meaning to "cadge."
• Bum (informal): To ask for something as a gift or favor, especially small items like cigarettes or money.
• Sponge (informal): To live or obtain benefits at the expense of others, often over a prolonged period.
• Mooch (informal): To beg or scrounge; to get something without paying.

Phrasal Verbs

• Cadge off (someone): To habitually rely on someone for money, food, or other support without giving anything in return.
  • He's thirty years old and still cadging off his parents.

Verb

1. obtain or seek to obtain by cadging or wheedling
   • he is always shnorring cigarettes from his friends
2. ask for and get free; be a parasite