panhandler Add to list Share. Someone who asks people for money in a public place is a panhandler. The term is fairly derogatory, but it's commonly used for those whose mainly support themselves this way.

What is a panhandler called?

† "Panhandling," a common term in the United States, is more often referred to as "begging" elsewhere, or occasionally, as "cadging." "Panhandlers" are variously referred to as "beggars," "vagrants," "vagabonds," "mendicants," or "cadgers." The term "panhandling" derives either from the impression created by someone ...

Where did the term panhandler originate?

It is variously said to come from the habit of beggars of soliciting contributions by thrusting out tin pans, into which generous passers-by would place their coins; or perhaps it's from the Spanish pan, literally meaning “bread” but which could also mean “money” (much as our word bread can in modern English), or ...