cadger

[ˈkædʒər]
nounpl: cadgers
pedinte, mendigo, aproveitador
1. a person who cadges; someone who begs or obtains something by begging or borrowing without intending to repay
He was known as a cadger who always asked friends for money without ever paying them back.
Ele era conhecido como um aproveitador que sempre pedia dinheiro aos amigos sem nunca devolver.
2. a person who obtains food, money, or favors through persistent requests or by taking advantage of others' generosity
The cadger at the bar managed to get free drinks all evening.
O pedinte do bar conseguiu ganhar bebidas grátis a noite toda.
The term 'cadger' is relatively archaic in modern English but remains understood in British English. In American English, alternatives like 'freeloader,' 'moocher,' or 'panhandler' are more commonly used. In Brazil, the equivalent term is often used in a more judgmental context, reflecting social attitudes toward begging and taking advantage of others' generosity.
NYC Slang
mooch, grifter, schnorrer
Synonyms / Sinônimos
beggarmoochfreeloaderspongerpanhandlerscrounger
Antonyms / Antônimos
giverbenefactordonorprovider

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pedinte, mendigo, aproveitador
Common term for someone who asks for money or favors persistently
Rio de Janeiro
miserável, vagabundo
More colloquial, sometimes derogatory usage
São Paulo
aproveitador, pessoa sem-vergonha
Emphasis on someone who takes advantage of others' kindness
Portugal
pedigueiro, esmoler
More formal/archaic Portuguese usage; less common in contemporary speech

Related Words

cadgecadgingbeggingpanhandlefreeloadingmooching

Related Idioms & Phrases

cadge a cigarette
cadge one's way through life
professional cadger
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