different between spanger vs sponger

English

Etymology

spange +? -er (“person who does”), root blend of spare +? change, from stereotyped phrase “spare change?”, “spare any change?”

Pronunciation

Noun

spanger (plural spangers)

1. (US, slang, derogatory) beggar, one who uses the phrase “spare change?”
   • 2007, Pam Hogeweide, Spangers and Song on Hawthorne:

     I squatted down on the sidewalk to get eye level with the spanger (someone who asks passerbys for spare change).

Usage notes

While sometimes used neutrally, more often used pejoratively, with connotations of professional begging.

Related terms

• spange
• spanging

References

Anagrams

• Pranges, engrasp

English

Etymology

sponge +? -er

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?sp?nd??/

Noun

sponger (plural spongers)

1. One who uses a sponge.
2. A parasitic hanger-on.
3. A person or vessel employed in gathering sponges from the sea.
4. A device for sponging cloth by means of a perforated adjustable cylinder.

Synonyms

• (parasitic hanger-on): moocher; See also Thesaurus:scrounger

Translations

Anagrams

• pongers, presong