bludger

Australian English INFORMAL
This page is about the dysphemism bludger

Meaning

a person receiving unemployment benefits or welfare payments

For example

  • Those bludgers on unemployment benefits could find work if they really wanted to.

  • How would you like being called a "bludger" if you were on the dole?

Note:
An informal British and Australian term for unemployment benefits is "the dole", and a very common dysphemism for people receiving unemployment benefits in Australia is "dole bludger". Similar dysphemisms include "slacker" and "parasite".

Variety

This is typically used in Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

Australians might call you a "bludger" if you

a. get help from the government

b. work in a low-paying job

c. have retired already
a) get help from the government b) work in a low-paying job c) have retired already

Contributor: Matt Errey