dodger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes pejorative
Quick answer
What does “dodger” mean?
A person who avoids something they should do, especially through dishonest or cunning means.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who avoids something they should do, especially through dishonest or cunning means.
1. A person who skillfully avoids something (e.g., a draft dodger). 2. A small handbill or advertisement (dated). 3. A type of cornbread or cake (US regional). 4. A protective screen on a ship (nautical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The compound 'draft dodger' is specifically American, referring to Vietnam War evaders. In the UK, 'conscription dodger' might be used historically. The food sense (corn dodger) is exclusively American regional.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary sense carries a negative, disapproving connotation. The American 'draft dodger' can be politically charged.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the historical and cultural weight of 'draft dodger'. In UK English, 'tax dodger' is the most common compound.
Grammar
How to Use “dodger” in a Sentence
[determiner] + dodger[noun] + dodgerVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically in discussions of tax avoidance/evasion ('corporate tax dodgers').
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; appears in historical, sociological, or legal texts discussing evasion.
Everyday
Common in news and informal conversation to criticise those avoiding taxes or duties.
Technical
Nautical term for a canvas screen providing shelter from spray.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dodger”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dodger”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dodger”
- Using 'dodger' as a verb (the verb is 'dodge'). Confusing 'dodger' (person) with 'dodge' (action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always. It implies dishonest or irresponsible avoidance. The exception is the neutral nautical term or the literary 'Artful Dodger', which implies cleverness.
'Dodger' suggests active, cunning, or deceitful evasion of a duty or rule. 'Avoider' is more general and can be neutral (e.g., 'conflict avoider').
No. The related verb is 'to dodge'. 'Dodger' is only a noun.
Not exactly. 'Tax dodger' is informal and pejorative, often implying illegality (evasion). 'Tax avoider' is more formal/legal, often referring to using legal loopholes, though the line is blurry in public discourse.
A person who avoids something they should do, especially through dishonest or cunning means.
Dodger is usually informal, sometimes pejorative in register.
Dodger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒdʒ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.dʒɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Artful Dodger (from Dickens' 'Oliver Twist')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone DODGING a responsibility or a bill – they are a DODGER.
Conceptual Metaphor
AVOIDANCE IS PHYSICAL DODGING (evading a blow).
Practice
Quiz
In Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist', the 'Artful Dodger' is primarily characterised as: