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."
inseparable
mooch off
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To take advantage of someone's generosity by getting food, money, or accommodation from them without paying or contributing.
In plain English
Get things like food or money from someone for free without giving anything back.
What does "mooch off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "mooch off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friends parents family roommates money food
How to conjugate "mooch off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "mooch off" in the wild
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