Hanger On

B1 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈheɪŋər ɒn/

Definitions of hanger on

noun a person who attaches themselves to a group or individual, typically for personal gain or advantage

Example Sentences

A1 She is always surrounded by hangers on who try to take advantage of her kindness.

A2 The celebrity had a group of hangers on following her everywhere she went.

B1 The politician was tired of dealing with hangers on who were only interested in their own gain.

B2 The wealthy businessman was known for his lavish parties with hangers on hoping to network with him.

C1 The artist had to learn to navigate the world of hangers on who were only interested in their own success.

C2 The famous author had to be cautious of hangers on who wanted to exploit their connection for personal gain.

Examples of hanger on in a Sentence

formal The wealthy socialite was always surrounded by a group of hangers on at her parties.

informal He's just a hanger on, always trying to be part of the cool crowd.

slang Those hangers on are just looking to mooch off of someone else's success.

figurative Negative thoughts can be like hangers on, clinging to your mind and weighing you down.

Grammatical Forms of hanger on

past tense

hung on

plural

hangers on

comparative

more of a hanger on

superlative

most of a hanger on

present tense

hangs on

future tense

will hang on

perfect tense

has hung on

continuous tense

is hanging on

singular

hanger on

positive degree

hanger on

infinitive

to hang on

gerund

hanging on

participle

hanging on

Origin and Evolution of hanger on

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'hanger on' originated from the practice of someone literally hanging onto the coattails or coat of a more influential or wealthy individual, hoping to benefit from their association.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'hanger on' has come to refer to someone who lingers around a group or person, often without contributing anything of value, and is seen as a nuisance or burden.