What it means
A moocher is that shameless mate who’s always sniffing round for freebies. They’ll bum a fag, pinch a few chips, "forget" their wallet, and somehow never be the one buying the round. It’s not just being skint once in a while, it’s a whole lifestyle of living off other people’s generosity and giving very little back.
Usage examples
"Every office has a moocher who lives off everyone else's snacks."
"Do not lend him a fiver, he is a known moocher who never pays anyone back."
"He's a right moocher, never brings his own snacks and always raids the office biscuit tin."
"Stop being such a moocher and put a fiver in the kitty like everyone else."
"He turned up to the barbecue empty-handed again, had three beers, two burgers, and still asked if anyone could spot him cab fare. Absolute moocher."
Where it comes from
Moocher comes from the verb mooch, which turned up in English in the 19th century with senses around hanging about, sneaking off, or loafing around. Over time it slid into the idea of sponging off others, so a moocher became the person who’s always cadging, blagging, and getting by on someone else’s wallet.
Other ways to say it
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