grab hag

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

One who takes excessively or takes all that is available, without regard for the needs or considerations of others.

Register: derogatory, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

There’s a certain type of auntie in China, OK? We call them grab hags. […] There’s a specific demographic of these grab hags, we call them, which are, like, the most infuriating people you’ll ever meet. […] They’re basically like these vile creatures that will take anything they can. If they see an

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “grab hag” mean?

One who takes excessively or takes all that is available, without regard for the needs or considerations of others.

Is “grab hag” formal or informal?

grab hag is generally derogatory, slang.