Sponger: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe a person who habitually lives off others, expecting to be given free things or not paying their own way. It has a negative connotation.

• He's such a sponger, always asking others to pay for his meals.
• Stop being a sponger and start contributing to the group expenses.

Although 'sponge' can refer to the cleaning tool or sea creature, when used to describe a person, it's informal and denotes someone who absorbs or takes advantage of others’ generosity. It can be slightly less harsh than 'sponger' but still carries a negative tone.

• He’s always sponged off his parents instead of getting a job.
• She's been sponging from her friends for months now.

Used to describe someone who habitually depends on others for personal benefit, often without sharing or giving back. Can be used both in casual and serious contexts. Slightly negative connotation.

• Dan is such a sponger; he never pays for his own meals at restaurants.
• We're tired of her sponger behavior; she always expects us to cover her expenses.

Used when referring to someone who persistently asks for things without offering anything in return. Typically informal and negative.

• She’s a moocher who always borrows money but never pays it back.
• He’s such a moocher; he's always looking for free tickets to events.

Commonly used in a casual context to describe someone who takes advantage of others' generosity without contributing. Strong negative connotation.

• Mark is a freeloader who never chips in for gas on road trips.
• They got tired of hosting freeloaders who never brought anything to the potluck.