Sponger/ˈspʌndʒər/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation The term 'sponger' has a negative judgment, suggesting someone is exploiting generosity. Don't be such a sponger; start paying your own way. Pro Tip 2/3Not for Politeness Calling someone a 'sponger' can be rude, so use it cautiously and in informal settings. I didn't want to sound rude by calling him a sponger. Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage 'Sponger' is often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. At the pub, they complained about the office sponger.