Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who habitually seeks to obtain something, especially money or food, from others without paying or working for it: A "scrounger" is someone who regularly tries to get things for free by asking or taking from others, often in a way that is considered lazy or dishonest.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was known in the neighborhood as a scrounger who was always asking to borrow money.
  • Don't be such a scrounger; buy your own lunch for once.

Advanced Usage

• "A compulsive scrounger": This phrase emphasizes that the person has an irresistible or habitual tendency to scrounge.
  • He's a compulsive scrounger, always looking for freebies and handouts.
• "To be labeled a scrounger": This describes the social stigma or judgment attached to this behavior.
  • After losing his job, he was unfairly labeled a scrounger by some people.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrounge (verb): To obtain something by asking or taking it from someone else, often without their full willingness or for free.
  • He tried to scrounge a cigarette off me.
• Scrounging (noun/gerund): The act or practice of obtaining things by scrounging.
  • His constant scrounging annoyed his friends.

Synonyms

• Moocher: A person who lives off others' generosity without giving anything in return.
• Cadger: A person who habitually asks for things without intending to pay or reciprocate.
• Freeloader: A person who takes advantage of others' hospitality or resources without contributing.

Related Phrases

• "On the scrounge": Actively looking for something to obtain for free.
  • He's always on the scrounge for free tickets to concerts.

Noun

1. someone who mooches or cadges (tries to get something free)