General
sponger
What does sponger mean?
A bodyboarder, so called because of the soft foam ('sponge') board they ride lying down. Often used teasingly by stand-up surfers.
"The point was too small to stand up, so even the spongers were scoring better rides."
Origin
Surf slang referencing the spongy foam construction of bodyboards.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sponger in surfing?
It's slang for a bodyboarder, named for the soft foam 'sponge' board they ride lying down.
Is calling someone a sponger offensive?
It's usually teasing rather than serious, used by stand-up surfers to gently rib bodyboarders, though it can carry a competitive edge.
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