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Scrounger: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrounger

 

[ ˈskraʊndʒər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal usage

A scrounger is a person who seeks to obtain something, especially money or food, through beggary or by relying on the generosity of others rather than through hard work. This term often implies a certain level of opportunism or a lack of self-sufficiency.

Synonyms

beggar, mooch, parasite, sponger

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as a scrounger, always asking for favors.
  • The local charity is worried about the growing number of scroungers in the area.
  • Stop being a scrounger and start earning your own money.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrounger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espertalhão

🇮🇳 फिरकी

🇩🇪 Schmarotzer

🇮🇩 penjaja

🇺🇦 злодій

🇵🇱 wyzyskiwacz

🇯🇵 たかり屋 (takariya)

🇫🇷 profiteur

🇪🇸 aprovechador

🇹🇷 sömürgen

🇰🇷 기생충 (gisaengchung)

🇸🇦 مستغل (mustaghil)

🇨🇿 parazit

🇸🇰 vykořisťovateľ

🇨🇳 寄生虫 (jìshēngchǒng)

🇸🇮 parazit

🇮🇸 snáði

🇰🇿 паразит

🇬🇪 პარაზიტი (paraziti)

🇦🇿 parazit

🇲🇽 aprovechador

Etymology

The term 'scrounger' originated from the British slang term 'scrounge,' which traces its roots back to the mid-19th century. The word is believed to have been derived from the dialectal term 'screw,' meaning to scrape or to gather together. As it evolved, 'scrounge' took on the connotation of acquiring goods or services by means other than work—often through asking or stealing. The lexical form 'scrounger' emerged as a noun to describe someone who participates in this behavior. Its usage has often carried a negative connotation, implying laziness or a lack of initiative, and it has been used interchangeably with other terms that denote similar behavior. Over the decades, the usage of 'scrounger' has spread beyond British English, becoming accessible and understood in various English-speaking regions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,473, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.