clem
word
/ˈkɫɛm/
klem
/klˈɛm/
klem
Definition
A British slang verb meaning to beg for food or to ask someone to share their food. It can also refer more generally to begging.
Usage & Nuances
Strictly informal, regionally used in the UK, and rare in modern speech. Typically applies to asking for food in a desperate or cheeky way. Very uncommon outside certain British dialects—avoid in formal or American English contexts.
Spanish: pedir comida (slang) - mendigar (slang)Portuguese (BR): implorar comida (gíria) - mendigar (gíria)Portuguese (PT): pedinchar comida (gíria) - mendigar (gíria)Chinese (Simplified): 讨饭（俚语）- 乞讨（俚语）Chinese (Traditional): 討飯（俚語）- 乞討（俚語）Hindi: भिक्षा माँगना (स्लैंग)Arabic: يتسول الطعام (عامية) - يتسول (عامية)Bengali: ভিক্ষা চাওয়া (খাবারের জন্য) - খাবার চাইতে অনুরোধ করাRussian: клянчить (еду) - выпрашивать (еду)Japanese: せがむ（食べ物を） - ねだる（食べ物を）Vietnamese: xin ăn - nài nỉ xin thức ănKorean: 음식 구걸하다 - 음식 조르다Turkish: yiyecek dilenmek - yiyecek istemekUrdu: کھانا مانگنا - کھانے کی بھیک مانگناIndonesian: mengemis makanan - merengek meminta makanan
Example Sentences
He tried to clem a sandwich from his friend.
basic
If you're hungry, just ask—don't clem.
basic
He was always trying to clem snacks from everyone during break.
natural
You can't just clem off people all the time—bring your own lunch!
natural
Back in college, we used to clem pizza from our friends when we were broke.
natural
Don't clem for food at the dinner table.
basic