schnorrer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often humorous or derogatory
Quick answer
What does “schnorrer” mean?
A person who habitually borrows or lives off others without intending to repay or contribute.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who habitually borrows or lives off others without intending to repay or contribute.
A beggar or scrounger, especially one who does so with a sense of entitlement or through manipulation rather than genuine need.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly recognised in American English due to Yiddish influence, but understood in UK English, especially in urban or Jewish communities.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is pejorative but can be used humorously among friends. In the US, it may carry a stronger cultural association with Yiddish humour.
Frequency
Rare in general usage in both regions; most frequent in contexts discussing character types or within specific cultural/community discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “schnorrer” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a schnorrer.[Subject] schnorred [Object] from [Benefactor].Don't be such a schnorrer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “schnorrer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's always schnorring fags off his mates.
- She managed to schnorr a lift to Edinburgh.
American English
- He schnorred free tickets to the game.
- Stop schnorring meals from your neighbours.
adverb
British English
- He lives quite schnorreringly, never paying his share.
American English
- He got the software schnorreringly, not through honest purchase.
adjective
British English
- He has a rather schnorrer-ish attitude.
- That was a schnorrer move, asking for her dessert.
American English
- His schnorrer behavior is getting old.
- Don't give me that schnorrer look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used informally to describe a client who constantly seeks free advice or samples.
Academic
Very rare; potentially in sociological studies of informal economies or linguistic studies of Yiddish borrowings.
Everyday
Informal term used among friends or family to jokingly or critically describe someone who always borrows money or favours.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “schnorrer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “schnorrer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “schnorrer”
- Misspelling as 'shnorrer' or 'snorrer'.
- Using it to describe someone in genuine financial hardship.
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like in 'chair') instead of /ʃ/ (like in 'shoe').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, as it is derogatory. However, among close friends or in a humorous context, it may be used lightly to tease someone.
It is a borrowing from Yiddish (שנאָרער), which itself derives from German 'Schnurrer', meaning 'beggar' or 'scrounger'.
Yes, the related verb is 'to schnorr' (or 'schnorring'), meaning to beg or scrounge something.
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is most likely to be encountered in communities with Yiddish influence or in colourful, informal descriptions of character.
A person who habitually borrows or lives off others without intending to repay or contribute.
Schnorrer is usually informal, often humorous or derogatory in register.
Schnorrer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃnɒrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃnɔːrər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the schnorr (engaged in scrounging)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who SNORES on your sofa after eating your food without contributing – a SCHNORRER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HUMAN IS A PARASITE / SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A TRANSACTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of calling someone a 'schnorrer'?