Bludge
/blʌdʒ/noun
To avoid work or responsibility while benefiting from the efforts or resources of others, especially in Australian and New Zealand informal usage.
Did you know?The word is strongly associated with Australian and New Zealand slang, but its precise origin is uncertain; it may be related to bludger or a shortened form of bludgeon, though scholars do not treat that connection as proven.
Etymological Timeline
Early 20th Century
Australian English
bludger
“A person who avoids work or lives off others; the source or close relative of later bludge.”
Mid-20th Century
Australian English
bludge
“To shirk work or sponge on others.”
20th Century
Australian English
bludging
“The act of avoiding effort while receiving benefits from someone else.”
Modern English
Australian/NZ English
bludge
“To freeload, loaf, or evade responsibility.”
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