cadge
LowInformal, slightly pejorative
Definition
Meaning
To ask for or obtain something, typically food, money, or a favour, from someone, often in a persistent or shameless way.
To habitually rely on the generosity of others without reciprocating; to sponge or scrounge. Can also refer to obtaining something by pleading or manipulation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies an imposition on another's goodwill, often with a sense of laziness or avoidance of paying one's own way. It suggests a habitual behaviour rather than a one-off request in genuine need.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and understood in British English. In American English, 'scrounge', 'sponge', or 'mooch' are often preferred.
Connotations
In British English, it can carry a mildly humorous or affectionate tone in some contexts (e.g., 'cadging a lift'), though it remains critical. In American English, it is less familiar and may sound dated or specifically British.
Frequency
Used with moderate frequency in UK informal speech; rare in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] cadges [Object] from [Source][Subject] is always cadgingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the cadge: actively seeking to obtain things from others for free.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation to describe someone exploiting others' generosity.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's always trying to cadge a fiver for the bus.
- Can I cadge a lift to the station?
American English
- He's always trying to cadge a few bucks for coffee. (Rare, understood as Britishism)
- She managed to cadge an invite to the exclusive party.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; 'cadgingly' is non-standard and very rare.)
American English
- (Not used.)
adjective
British English
- His cadging behaviour annoyed his flatmates.
- A cadging look on his face.
American English
- (Extremely rare; 'mooching' or 'sponging' preferred)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He cadged a sweet from his friend.
- My brother is always cadging money from our parents.
- She has a knack for cadging free meals from generous acquaintances.
- The journalist was accused of cadging information under the pretext of friendship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CADet who is always trying to scrounGE things from others -> CADGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A MARKET (where one tries to get goods without currency).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "просить" (to ask) neutrally; всегда есть негативный оттенок.
- Не путать с "занимать" (to borrow) с намерением вернуть; у 'cadge' возврата обычно не предполагается.
- Ближе по смыслу к "клянчить", "выпрашивать", "паразитировать".
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'cadet'.
- Using it without the negative connotation of imposition.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the act of 'cadging'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and carries a negative, critical connotation. Calling someone a 'cadger' is insulting, as it implies they are a lazy freeloader.
'Beg' is more direct and associated with poverty or desperation. 'Cadge' is less about dire need and more about habitually avoiding one's own responsibilities, often among acquaintances.
Rarely. Even in a light-hearted context ('cadge a lift'), there is an underlying acknowledgment of imposing on someone else's resources or goodwill.
Yes, 'cadger' refers to a person who habitually cadges. The activity itself can be called 'cadging'.
Explore