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to scunge off

to scunge off

9.9
To take free things or help from other people without giving anything back
  • phrasal verb
  • Offensive
translation icon : gorronear
  • He always scunges off his friends for free meals.

Examples

  • He’s always scunging off his friends for free rides.

  • Don't scunge off my notes again; do your own work this time.

  • She hated scunging off others, but her situation left her no choice.

  • Why does she keep scunging off everyone?

  • Don't scunge off my notes again; do your own work this time.

  • He’s always scunging off his friends for free rides.

  • She hated scunging off others, but her situation left her no choice.

Synonyms

to leech
vsto scunge off
  • Offensive
8 7.5

To take advantage of someone by always using their help or money without giving anything back

covers taking advantage in general, not only continuous taking
to mooch off
vsto scunge off
  • Informal
5 8.6

To get food, money, or help from someone without paying

is more about exploiting generosity selfishly rather than simple reliance
to leech off
vsto scunge off
  • Offensive
4 7.9

To take money, food, or help from someone without giving anything back

is similar but not always described as a habitual action
to scunge on the bill
vsto scunge off
  • Slang
9.9

To avoid paying your share of a bill secretly

applies more broadly to exploiting generosity, not only bills
to schnorr
vsto scunge off
  • Offensive
9.9

To get things like food or rides by asking others and not paying

is focused on exploiting generosity often without asking directly
to scrounge a free meal
vsto scunge off
  • Informal
7.8

To get a free meal by asking or finding a chance to eat

is broader, covering taking advantage to obtain various things

Antonyms

883 2.7

To give money, help, or ideas to make something work

Do something similar in return when someone helps or is kind to you

How Much

to freeload
  • Informal
6 7.5
to scunge off
  • Offensive
9.9
to mooch off
  • Informal
5 8.6
to scrounge
  • Informal
4 7.0

Surface Forms

scunge off infinitive
scunged off past participle
scunging off present participle
scunges off third person singular

Morphology

scunge + off

The meaning is directly derivable from 'scunge' (a person who avoids spending) combined with the particle 'off' which commonly marks obtaining from someone; together they yield the sense 'to freeload or get things from others without paying.' This follows a regular English phrasal/derivational pattern (compare 'mooch off', 'sponge off'), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Scunge off may come from the similar word scrounge and creates a simple picture: imagine someone quietly taking crumbs, rides, or favours from friends without giving anything back. So, it now means 'to get things or help from others by taking advantage of their kindness'.