schnorrer
/'ʃnɔrə/
Definition
Noun: - A person who habitually borrows or lives off the generosity of others, especially in a persistent and shameless manner; a scrounger or moocher. The term originates from Yiddish and often carries a cultural connotation.
Usage
- The word is used as a countable noun to describe a person who constantly asks for things (like money, food, or favors) without intending to give anything in return or to repay.
- It is often used informally and can have a mildly humorous or critical tone.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in a broader, sometimes figurative sense to describe someone who exploits any form of goodwill or free resource.
- That startup is just a schnorrer of open-source code without contributing back to the community.
Variants and Related Words
- Schnorr (verb, informal): To beg or scrounge, especially in a persistent way.
- He would schnorr cigarettes from anyone in the office.
Synonyms
- Scrounger
- Moocher
- Cadger
- Freeloader
- Sponger
Antonyms
- Benefactor
- Donor
- Giver
- Philanthropist
Related Idioms/Phrases
- While not a phrasal verb, the concept is related to the idiom "to live off the backs of others."
- The article criticized politicians who live off the backs of others like modern-day schnorrers.
Noun
-
(Yiddish) a scrounger who takes advantage of the generosity of others
