Bludge

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This article refers to the Australasian (Australia and New Zealand} slang term. For other uses see Bludger

Image of a steriotypical bludger, usually thought of as a young, working class male

Bludger is a derogatory slang term for a lazy individual, particularly one who is perceived to receive undeserved welfare or material benefits. "Dole bludger" is a related term in common usage, specifically used to refer to a longterm unemployed person who draws "the dole", or state unemployment benefit.

The verb form of the term "to bludge", refers to any activity requiring little effort but delivering a disproportionately high level of remuneration or other desirable material outcome. 'To bludge' means to ask for a favour, a gift of something, frequently a share of someone's food or a cigarette; ie "can I bludge a smoke off you?" The use of the self deprecatory use of the term implies a degree of Mateship and the implication that, should the roles be reversed, the favour will be returned.

An alternative meaning in some areas is that a bludger is a high school student who doesn't study or do work during class. "Bludging" is the act of doing no work in class, instead talking with friends or doing nothing but relaxing. Some students will only bludge on occasion when tired or preoccupied with other things.

Additional uses of the word bludge include "netbludge", a term that describes the act of surfing the net when one should be working.

In archaic use a bludger is a mugger who uses a bludgeoning weapon against their victims. To bludge is to mug someone, or to strike them, using such a weapon.