Panhandling: meaning, definitions and examples

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panhandling

 

[ ˈpænˌhændlɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

on the street

The act of begging for money or food in a public place.

Synonyms

begging, bumming, mendicancy

Examples of usage

  • The city has implemented measures to reduce panhandling on the streets.
  • Panhandling is a common sight in urban areas.
  • She resorted to panhandling after losing her job.
Context #2 | Noun

charitable organizations

The practice of requesting donations or funds from individuals or organizations for a specific cause or charity.

Synonyms

collection, fundraising, solicitation

Examples of usage

  • The charity relies on panhandling to raise money for their cause.
  • He engaged in panhandling to support the local homeless shelter.
  • Panhandling can be an effective way to raise awareness and funds for important causes.

Translations

Translations of the word "panhandling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mendicância

🇮🇳 भिक्षाटन

🇩🇪 Betteln

🇮🇩 mengemis

🇺🇦 жебракування

🇵🇱 żebractwo

🇯🇵 物乞い

🇫🇷 mendicité

🇪🇸 mendicidad

🇹🇷 dilencilik

🇰🇷 구걸

🇸🇦 التسوّل

🇨🇿 žebrota

🇸🇰 žobranie

🇨🇳 乞讨

🇸🇮 beračenje

🇮🇸 betl

🇰🇿 қайыршылық

🇬🇪 მათხოვრობა

🇦🇿 dilənçilik

🇲🇽 mendicidad

Word origin

The term 'panhandling' originated in the United States in the late 19th century, derived from the words 'pan' (meaning 'all') and 'handle' (referring to the act of begging with outstretched hands). Initially associated with begging for food, the term evolved to encompass soliciting money as well. Panhandling has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for support and resources for those who engage in it, while others view it as a nuisance or public safety concern.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,757, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.