What does bludger mean in Australia?
In Australian slang, a bludger is a lazy person who avoids work or relies on others. Calling someone a bludger is usually an insult, though it can be used jokingly among friends.
The word originally referred to a man who lived on the earnings of a sex worker in the 1800s. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe anyone who lives off others' efforts.
A dole bludger is a person accused of avoiding work while receiving unemployment benefits. The term became common in political debates in the 1970s.
Related words
The verb to bludge means to avoid work or to do very little. A bludge can describe an easy task or a relaxing time, such as a bludge day.
Bludging is also used in schools, where students might talk about bludge subjects, meaning easy classes.
The word reflects Australian values about hard work and fairness, where people who do not pull their weight are criticized. However, it is often used with humor in casual conversation, such as calling a friend a bludger for not helping.