Panhandled: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
panhandled
[ หpรฆn.hรฆn.dษld ]
asking for help
To panhandle means to ask strangers for money or food, typically in public places such as streets or sidewalks. It is often associated with individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. The act can also involve using signs, verbal requests, or other methods to solicit donations. This practice can provoke various reactions from the public, ranging from compassion to indifference. In some regions, panhandling is regulated or prohibited by local laws.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He panhandled for spare change on the corner.
- She began panhandling after losing her job.
- The homeless man was panhandling outside the grocery store.
Translations
Translations of the word "panhandled" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pedir esmola
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเฅเค เคฎเคพเคเคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช betteln
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengemis
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฟัะพััะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ bลagaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฉไนใใใ
๐ซ๐ท mendier
๐ช๐ธ pedir limosna
๐น๐ท dilenci olmak
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตฌ๊ฑธํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุชุณูู
๐จ๐ฟ ลพebrat
๐ธ๐ฐ ลพobraลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ไน่ฎจ
๐ธ๐ฎ prositi
๐ฎ๐ธ fรก aรฐ gjรถra
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฑัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฌแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dilษnmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ pedir limosna
Etymology
The term 'panhandle' originates from the late 19th century in the United States, where 'pan' refers to a shallow vessel used for cooking or receiving something, while 'handle' indicates the action of holding out the pan. The word began to be used metaphorically to describe the act of extending an open hand for alms or assistance, likening the gesture to holding out a pan for someone to drop in coins or food. Over time, the word evolved into a common colloquialism for begging in public places. AI finds its roots in regional dialects but gained prominence in urban slang, particularly during the Great Depression when homelessness surged and more individuals resorted to panhandling as a means of survival. The social perception of panhandling has varied, facing stigma and legal restrictions in many cities, leading to ongoing debates about poverty, charity, and social responsibility.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,839, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.