mooch

or mouch

[ mooch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to borrow (a small item or amount) without intending to return or repay it.
2. to get or take without paying or at another's expense; sponge:

   He always mooches cigarettes.

3. to beg.
4. to steal.

verb (used without object)

1. to skulk or sneak.
2. to loiter or wander about.

noun

1. Also moocher. a person who mooches.

mooch

/ muːtʃ /

verb

1. introften foll byaround to loiter or walk aimlessly
2. intr to behave in an apathetic way
3. intr to sneak or lurk; skulk
4. tr to cadge
5. tr to steal

Derived Forms

• ˈmoocher, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mooch¹

1425–75; late Middle English, apparently variant of Middle English michen < Old French muchier to skulk, hide

Word History and Origins

Origin of mooch¹

C17: perhaps from Old French muchier to skulk

Example Sentences

There’s no private, residential rehab in Singapore - no mooching around in fluffy bathrobes and then retreating to your own en-suite room.

From BBC

Victor the bear was notorious for mooching meals at Mammoth Lakes campgrounds, but when he crashed a steak and wine dinner, things escalated quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

The yacht belonged to an Italian-Tunisian distributor and Coppola was, as he put it, “mooching” as assorted relatives, friends, colleagues and support staff buzzed around him.

From New York Times

“I can throw forks because this is our father’s house, my father’s house,” prompting Lee to point out that Mikey is living in the house with his mother, who he’s mooching off of financially.

From Los Angeles Times

These are not “free money” schemes or lazy people just mooching off a system; this is due compensation for the injuries we received in the line of duty.

From Washington Post