We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cultural

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Mooch?

By Nychole Price
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 22,151
Share

Almost every person has a friend or family member who is a mooch. A mooch is always borrowing something, whether it is money, food, rides, favors, or lawn equipment. With a mooch, asking to borrow something is a regular, if not everyday, occurrence. There are many things you can do to keep the mooch at bay without being rude or saying something hurtful.

When the freeloader calls to ask for money, try to figure out what he needs it for. If he needs it for a gallon of milk, it would be nice to just go pick him up one. If the money is needed for a night on the town, however, you will only be feeding his habit if you loan it to him. Invite him to watch a movie with you instead. Chance are, he will turn you down and go out anyway.

A majority of mooches try to live outside their means. In order to do this, they need cash. The best thing you can do is set boundaries. A mooch may give false reasons for needing the cash, such as needing to go to the laundromat. Offer the use of your laundry facilities instead, as it will show you care without handing over your money.

If your mooch seems to call at all hours of the day, to either ask for money or share his sad story, try turning off the ringer. Everyone needs quality, uninterrupted time with their family. If it is important, he will leave a message. Be polite and return the call when you have time to devote your full attention to him.

If your mooch seems to make adequate money to pay her bills, she may just have poor money management skills. Take the time, if she is willing, to teach her how to manage her money and account for her spending. If she is unwilling, at least you know that you tried and you won't feel bad not helping her out all the time.

A mooch will only be a mooch if you allow them to. Never help a mooch out with cash, as you don't know what he is using it for. As a friend, you want to be there for him, whenever possible. The best thing you can do is teach him to help himself.

Share
PublicPeople is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Ariestack — On Dec 15, 2013
This makes me think of Cab Calloway's, Minnie the Moocher. It's one of my favorite blues songs and quite a fine mooch video on Youtube.
Share
https://www.publicpeople.org/what-is-a-mooch.htm
Copy this link
PublicPeople, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

PublicPeople, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.