hanger-on

[hang-er-on, -awn]

noun

plural

hangers-on 

1. a person who remains in a place or joins a group, another person, etc., especially in the hope or expectation of personal gain, even though their presence may be neither wanted nor needed.

   Synonyms: follower, sycophant, parasite, toady

hanger-on

noun

1. a sycophantic follower or dependant, esp one hoping for personal gain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanger-on¹

1540–50; noun use of verb phrase hang on; -er ¹

Example Sentences

As party members and associated hangers-on start to arrive in Manchester today, there are reasons to be gloomy for the current leadership.

From BBC

A political get together, a party conference for the politicians, members, and associated hangers-on, would never transform a prime minister's fortunes with the public overnight.

From BBC

Most of his close friends work in music, including Kenny Beats, who composed Oliver’s songs for “Lurker,” and Zack Fox, who plays a hanger-on in the film and is a DJ in real life.

From Los Angeles Times

Gala was the free-spirit hanger-on in the city’s club scene, falling for a rock singer and happily dishing about her Southern California misadventures.

From Los Angeles Times

He said there was no place for violence or intimidation at a football match and described those involved as "thugs" and "hangers-on".

From BBC