sponger (n.)

1670s, "parasite," agent noun from sponge (v.) in figurative sense. As a job on a cannon crew, by 1828.

Entries linking to sponger

late 14c., "to soak up with a sponge," also (transitive) "to cleanse or wipe with a sponge," from sponge (n.). The slang sense of "to live in a parasitic manner, live at the expense of others" is attested from 1670s; sponger (n.) in this sense is from 1670s. Originally it was the victim who was the sponge (c. 1600), because he or she was being "squeezed." Intransitive sense "dive for sponges" is from 1881. Related: Sponged; sponging.

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updated on November 10, 2013

Definitions of sponger from WordNet

sponger (n.)

a workman employed to collect sponges;

sponger (n.)

a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage;

Synonyms: leech / parasite / sponge

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near sponger

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spondylolisthesis

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spongiform

spongy

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spontaneity