Panhandler

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpæn.hænd.lÉ™(ɹ)/

Origin

Obscure. Speculative. Panhandling always seems to involve a container for receiving loose change, so perhaps referring to a small, handled pan or to the container as the pan and the arms holding it as the handle.

Full definition of panhandler

Noun

1. One who panhandles; an urban beggar who typically stands on a street with an outstretched container in hand, begging for loose change.
2. A bum.