Definition

Noun: A person who deliberately avoids paying a debt or honoring a wager after losing; a cheat or swindler in the context of gambling or financial obligations.

Usage

This word is a noun used to label a person who commits the specific act of not repaying money owed, especially from a bet or informal loan. It carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty and bad faith.

Examples

• The gambler was labeled a welcher after he left the poker game without paying his losses.
• Don't lend him money; he has a reputation as a welcher.
• I won the bet, but he turned out to be a welcher and refused to pay.

Advanced Usage / Notes

• The term welcher is considered offensive and derogatory. Its use implies strong moral condemnation.
• It is often associated with informal agreements, bets, or gambling contexts rather than formal, legally-binding contracts.
• The verb form is (or ), meaning to fail to fulfill a debt or obligation.
  • Example: He promised to pay me back but he welched on the deal.

Variants and Related Words

• Welch (or Welsch) (verb): To fail to honor a debt or bet.
• Welching (gerund/noun): The act of avoiding payment.

Synonyms

• Deadbeat
• Cheat
• Swindler
• Defaulter
• Skipper (slang)

Antonyms

• Payer
• Honest debtor
• Settler

Idioms / Common Phrases

• To welch on a bet/debt/deal: The standard phrasal construction describing the action.
  • He welched on his debt, ruining his credibility.

Noun

1. someone who swindles you by not repaying a debt or wager