The verb “mooch” and the related noun “moocher” go all the way back to Middle English, likely tracing their roots to the Old French word “muchier” meaning “to conceal” or “to hide away.” In English, a “moocher” was originally a loafer, poacher, or petty thief.

Where does the term mooching come from?

Mooch, in its original sense of “to be stingy,” literally meant “to hide coins in one's nightcap.” This approach traces the Middle English mowche/mucche to the Middle Dutch muste, “nightcap,” in turn from the Medieval Latin almucia, “nightcap,” of unknown origin.

What does mooching you mean?

English Language Learners Definition of mooch

US, informal + disapproving : to ask for and get things from other people without paying for them or doing anything for them.