Peddling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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peddling
[ˈpɛd.lɪŋ ]
Definitions
selling goods
Peddling refers to the act of selling goods, often by traveling from place to place. Typically associated with hawkers or vendors, it can also imply a sense of selling small items on the street or other informal settings. The term can carry negative connotations when it implies dishonest or illegal selling practices.
Synonyms
hawking, selling, trading, vending.
Examples of usage
- He was peddling homemade crafts at the local fair.
- They were peddling newspapers in the busy subway station.
- The vendor was peddling fresh fruits from his bicycle.
promoting ideas
Peddling can also refer to promoting or disseminating ideas, often in an aggressive or misleading way. This usage typically implies that the ideas being shared are not legitimate or are overly simplified.
Synonyms
disseminating, promoting, propagating, spreading.
Examples of usage
- The politician was peddling false promises during the campaign.
- They were peddling conspiracy theories on social media.
- He was peddling misleading information about the new policy.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- During medieval times, peddlers traveled between towns to sell their goods, serving as vital trade links.
- In colonial America, peddlers were common and played crucial roles in distributing goods to rural communities.
- Peddling faced challenges with the rise of retail stores, which began to dominate as places to buy goods.
Pop Culture
- In movies, peddlers often represent quirky, adventurous characters with interesting backstories.
- Peddlers have been featured in fairy tales, such as 'The Peddler and his Cat', symbolizing hard work and resourcefulness.
- Street vendors in modern cities can be seen as the descendants of historical peddlers, continuing the tradition of selling directly to the public.
Law
- In modern contexts, 'peddling' can also refer to the illegal sale of items, such as drugs, highlighting its negative connotations.
- Some cities have regulations to control itinerant peddling to ensure safety and order in public spaces.
- Licenses are often required for peddlers to sell goods in certain areas, showing the evolving legal landscape around this activity.
Psychology
- The act of peddling can evoke themes of persuasion, showing how sellers use communication skills to attract customers.
- Research indicates that direct selling can create stronger customer relationships by providing personal interaction.
- The hustle of peddling may also reflect entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging creativity and resilience in sales.
Origin of 'peddling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'pedlere', which meant a small trader or dealer.
- Originally, it was related to the word 'pedal', referring to the way peddlers moved around, often by foot.
- In the 14th century, 'peddling' indicated selling goods in a very personal and direct way, often from a cart.
The word 'peddling' originates from the Middle English term 'peddlere', which means a small trader or a hawker. The root of this can be traced back to the Old English word 'pæd', referring to a 'pack' or 'bundle', which reflects the nature of peddlers who often carried their goods in packages or bags. Historically, peddlers were important to local economies, serving as a means of providing goods and services in areas where commercial establishments were sparse. Over time, the term has evolved and taken on additional meanings, particularly in the context of the informal or sometimes unscrupulous selling of goods or ideas. Today, 'peddling' can evoke both the image of a street vendor as well as the negative connotation of deceitful marketing practices.