Mooch

/muːtʃ/ verb

Definition

To borrow something with no intention of returning it, or to get something for free by asking repeatedly.

Etymology

Origin uncertain but possibly from British slang or a Yiddish 'mooching' from German. The meaning 'to beg or impose on someone' was established by the early 1900s in American English.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, 'mooch' became slang in America during the Great Depression when people routinely had to beg for food and resources—the word captures that specific era of hardship perfectly!

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