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a person who freeloads or hangs around a lodge without paying or contributing, often taking advantage of facilities and resources
What is the origin of the term "lodge rat" and how is it used?
"lodge rat" is a slang term that appeared in the 20th century, especially in contexts involving clubs, lodges, or communal spaces. It combines "lodge," meaning a meeting place or residential facility, with "rat," a metaphor for someone sneaky or parasitic, to describe a person who freeloads or hangs around without contributing. The term was used in informal speech, club or lodge settings, and occasionally in writing to criticize opportunistic behavior. It is derogatory, aimed at mocking or condemning someone for exploiting shared resources, and is never neutral; it often carries a sense of mild contempt or irritation.
