panhandler

pan·han·dle

P p

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [pan-han-dl]
- /ˈpænˌhæn dl/
- /ˈpænˌhæn.dəl/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [pan-han-dl]
- /ˈpænˌhæn dl/

Definitions of panhandler word

verb without object panhandler to accost passers-by on the street and beg from them. 1
verb with object panhandler to accost and beg from. 1
verb with object panhandler to obtain by accosting and begging from someone. 1
noun panhandler beggar 1
countable noun panhandler A panhandler is a person who stops people in the street and asks them for food or money. 0
noun panhandler a beggar, esp. one who begs on the streets 0

See all 6 definitions of panhandler

Information block about the term

Origin of panhandler

First appearance:

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

1895-1900, Americanism; back formation from panhandler; so called from the resemblance of the extended arm to a panhandle1

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Panhandler

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Panhandler

panhandler popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 61% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

panhandler usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for panhandler

noun panhandler

almsman — a person who gives or receives alms
almswoman — a woman who gives or receives alms
asker — to put a question to; inquire of: I asked him but he didn't answer.
beggar — A beggar is someone who lives by asking people for money or food.
borrower — A borrower is a person or organization that borrows money.

All 10 Synonyms of panhandler