What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moocher
Example
He's always mooching off his friends for money. [mooching: present participle]
Example
She's a real moocher, always asking for favors but never offering any in return. [moocher: noun]
beggar
Example
The beggar on the corner asked for spare change. [beggar: noun]
Example
He had to resort to begging after losing his job. [begging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beggar is more commonly used than moocher in everyday language. Beggar is a well-known term that is often used in news articles and media to describe people in poverty or homelessness who are asking for help. Moocher is less common and may be considered slang or informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moocher and beggar?
Neither moocher nor beggar are particularly formal words, but beggar may be more appropriate in formal contexts where sensitivity to poverty or homelessness is required.
