1890-95; < Yiddishshnorer beggar, sponger, equivalent to shnor(n) to beg (compare Middle High Germansnurren to hum, buzz, whir; sense “beg” from beggars' custom of playing a small pipe or whistle (GermanSchnurrpfeife)) + -er-er1
British Dictionary definitions for schnorrer
schnorrer
/ˈʃnɔːrə/
noun
1.
(US, slang) a person who lives off the charity of others; professional beggar
Word Origin
Yiddish, from German Schnurrer beggar (who played an instrument), from Middle High German snurren to hum
Word Origin and History for schnorrer
n.
1892, from Yiddish, "beggar," from German slang schnurrer, from schnurren "to go begging" (slang), perhaps ultimately imitative of the sound of pleading or whining (e.g. sneer, snorkel, snarl).
Slang definitions & phrases for schnorrer
schnorrer
noun
A beggar, esp one who counts parasitically on a family or community; moocher, sponge: ''Hooray for Captain Spaulding, the African explorer!'' ''Did someone call me schnorrer?''(1892+)