Definition

Noun: 1. A person who persistently and often annoyingly associates with or follows another person or group, typically for personal gain or advantage: This refers to someone who attaches themselves to another, often in a subordinate or dependent manner, seeking benefits like social status, protection, or financial support without contributing equally. 2. A follower who is not welcome or is considered a nuisance: This sense emphasizes the unwanted, clinging nature of the association.

Usage and Examples

• The famous actor was always surrounded by a crowd of hangers-on hoping for a glimpse of fame.
• After he won the lottery, old acquaintances became hangers-on, constantly asking for loans.
• She grew tired of the hangers-on who only appeared when she was successful.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The term almost always carries a negative connotation, implying exploitation, flattery, or parasitism.
• It is a compound noun. Its standard plural form is hangers-on, treating "on" as a particle (like ). The incorrect plural "hanger-ons" is sometimes seen but is non-standard.
• It can describe individuals in various contexts: social circles ("party hangers-on"), business ("corporate hangers-on"), or around celebrities ("entourage of hangers-on").

Variants and Related Words

• To hang on (phrasal verb): To persist, to continue with effort. (e.g., ) This is the verbal phrase from which the noun is derived, but they are distinct words.
• Dependent (noun): A person who relies on another, especially for financial support. (More neutral; lacks the negative, opportunistic nuance of .)
• Retinue (noun): A group of advisers or assistants accompanying an important person. (More formal and neutral; can be official or respected, unlike .)

Synonyms

• Follower: (More neutral) One who follows the ideas or actions of another.
• Sycophant: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage. (Stronger, implies excessive flattery.)
• Parasite: A person who habitually relies on or exploits others without giving anything in return. (Stronger, more derogatory.)
• Lackey: A servile follower; a toady. (Implies doing minor tasks for a superior.)
• Camp follower: Originally a civilian following an army; now often means an opportunistic follower.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• A crowd of hangers-on: A common collocation describing the typical group associated with the person.
• To attract hangers-on: Describes the consequence of success or fame.
• To shake off the hangers-on: To get rid of such unwanted followers.

Noun

1. someone who persistently (and annoyingly) follows along