Vocabulary Spotlight

Cadge

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To ask for or obtain something to which one is not strictly entitled, often by begging or pleading.

“He managed to cadge a few dollars from his friends for lunch.”

Pronunciation

[kaj]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Beg
Mooch
Scrounge
Bum
Solicit

Antonyms

Give
Donate
Provide
Supply
Grant

Related Words

Moocher (noun)
Scrounger (noun)
Cadging (noun)

Word Origin

“Cadge” likely originates from the Middle English “cadgen,” meaning “to carry or hawk goods.” Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who seeks to obtain things by persuasion or pleading, often without payment.

Word Family

Verb: Cadge – To beg or obtain something through pleading.

Noun: Cadger – Someone who cadges or frequently asks for things.

Related Noun: Cadging – The act of begging or seeking to obtain things without entitlement.

Mnemonics

Cleverly Asking Desperately to Get Extras

This mnemonic reminds that cadging involves persistently asking for or obtaining something through pleading or begging.

Industry-specific Usage

Social Dynamics

In social settings, cadging often refers to people asking for small favors or items, like a cigarette or a ride, without reciprocating or compensating.

Hospitality

In the hospitality industry, patrons sometimes cadge free drinks or upgrades by making special requests or implying a promise of future loyalty.

Economics

In economic contexts, cadging can describe the informal requests people make for resources, goods, or services, relying on goodwill rather than payment.

In Context

In social circles, cadging is common among close friends or family members, who may ask for small favors without formal expectations of repayment.

In workplaces, cadging can occasionally become problematic if individuals repeatedly rely on colleagues for supplies or resources without reciprocating.

On a larger scale, cadging can be observed in online communities, where users may request free assistance or resources, counting on collective goodwill.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following best defines “cadge”?

To beg or plead for something
To give willingly
To sell at a high price
To receive a gift

‘To beg or plead for something’ is correct, as cadge means to ask for something persistently, often without entitlement.

2. Fill in the blank: He would often _______ rides home from his friends after school.

donate
cadge
supply
grant

‘Cadge’ is correct, as it implies asking for a favor, such as a ride, persistently or habitually.

3. Where would “cadge” be most appropriately used?

Making a large charitable donation
Buying supplies for the whole team
Providing materials for a project
Asking a friend for a cigarette without offering one back

‘Asking a friend for a cigarette without offering one back’ is correct, as cadging often involves asking for something persistently or as a favor without reciprocation.