"prostitute's pimp," 1856, short for bludgeoner, agent noun from bludgeon (v.). Hence, also, in Australia and New Zealand slang, "loafer" (by 1939).
1802, "to hit with a bludgeon (n.)," which is of unknown origin. Related: Bludgeoned; bludgeoning.
"shirk work or responsibility," 1919, Australian and New Zealand slang, earlier "be a prostitute's pimp" hence "a loafer," from bludger "pimp."
updated on June 17, 2017
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