What's a Dole Bludger?

dole bludger. noun. Australian slang, offensive a person who draws unemployment benefit without making any attempt to find work.

Where did the word dole bludger come from?

This word is a survival of British slang bludger, meaning 'a prostitute's pimp'. The word is ultimately a shortening of bludgeoner.

Why is it called on the dole?

What's the origin of the phrase 'On the dole'?

The word dole has been used since the 13th century to refer to a charitable gift given to the poor. This derives from the 'doling out', that is, 'handing out' of charitable gifts of food or money. be 'On the dole'. ... These soldiers were referred to as being 'on the dole'.