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Hanger-on for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'hæŋər_ɑn

What does Hanger-on really mean?

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"Hanger-on" is a term used to describe a person who tends to stick around and follow someone else without necessarily having a clear purpose or role. Imagine if you had a favorite celebrity or a popular friend who always seems to have people surrounding them wherever they go. Do you ever wonder why those people are there? Well, those are the hanger-ons. They like to stay close to someone they admire or want to be associated with, even if they don't have a specific reason to be there.

Picture it this way: you know how sometimes you might see a bug hanging on to the wall or a window, kind of just staying there even though it doesn't really have a reason to be there? Well, a hanger-on is like that bug but in human form. They are like followers who tag along without any real purpose or function. They might just want to be part of a popular group, gain some attention, or just enjoy being around someone they look up to. They may not actively contribute or add value to the situation or the people they are hanging on to.

It's important to note that while being a hanger-on might not necessarily be a negative thing, it can sometimes indicate that the person doesn't have a strong sense of individuality or lacks the ability to form meaningful connections based on their own merits. They might rely on others to define who they are, rather than finding their own path.

So, when you hear the term "hanger-on," think of those bugs that cling to surfaces without any apparent reason. Just like those bugs, hanger-ons might stick around without really knowing why or adding much value. They are like shadows, following someone else's light instead of creating their own. It's important to be aware of the difference between being a true friend or supporter and just being a hanger-on. It's always better to be true to yourself and strive to build genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.


Revised and Fact checked by Michael Johnson on 2023-10-29 08:14:52

Hanger-on In a sentece

Learn how to use Hanger-on inside a sentece

  • A hanger-on is someone who always follows a famous person around and wants to be their friend because they think it will make them popular too.
  • Imagine if there is a cool kid in school who has a lot of friends. A hanger-on would be someone who is always trying to be near that cool kid and do everything they do in the hope of becoming popular too.
  • In a story, a hanger-on could be a character who is always around the main hero, trying to get all the attention and benefits from being with them.
  • If you have a sibling who is always joining your activities just because they want to be included and don't want to miss out on anything fun, they can be considered a hanger-on.
  • Let's say you have a favorite celebrity and you go to all of their concerts, events, and parties just to be close to them and get some of their fame. That would make you a hanger-on of that celebrity.

Hanger-on Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

tagalong

Hanger-on Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

follower