cadging
/ˈkædʒɪŋ/
VERB
1. Begging or persistently asking for something
Asking someone for money, food, favors, or assistance, often repeatedly or in a way that exploits their generosity.
1.1. Begging for money, food, or assistance
Making persistent or humble requests for something, especially money, food, or other necessities.
Synonyms
Examples
- He was caught cadging money from strangers outside the station.
- The man spent the afternoon cadging food from passersby.
Related Words
- pleading
- petitioning
- praying
- appealing
- soliciting
- mendicancy
1.2. Obtaining something through persuasion or persistence
Managing to obtain something by using charm, cleverness, persistence, or persuasive requests.
Synonyms
- mooching
- scrounging
- wangling
- wheedling
Examples
- The traveler became skilled at cadging free upgrades at hotels.
- She succeeded in cadging an extra ticket from the event organizer.
Related Words
- coaxing
- persuading
- importuning
- insisting
- negotiating
1.3. Living at another person's expense
Depending on another person for food, accommodation, or financial support without making a fair contribution.
Synonyms
- mooching
- sponging
- bludging
Examples
- He was tired of cadging off his relatives instead of finding employment.
- They accused their roommate of cadging meals and accommodation.
Related Words
- freeloading
- depending
- relying
- living off
- free riding
- parasitism