mooch off
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Get things like food or money from someone for free without giving anything back.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To habitually take money, food, or other resources from someone without contributing or paying them back.
"He's been mooching off his parents for years — it's time he found a job."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To beg or casually ask for small things such as cigarettes, snacks, or cash from acquaintances.
"She's always mooching off colleagues — today she asked three different people for spare change."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in both British and American English. Carries a disapproving tone. The person mooching is seen as lazy or selfish. Often used with people living off family or friends long-term.
Commonly used with
friends parents family roommates money food
Forms
Base
mooch off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mooches off
he/she/it
Past simple
mooched off
yesterday
Past participle
mooched off
have + pp
-ing form
mooching off
continuous
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