hawker

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hawker' is correct and usable in written English.
'Hawker' is a noun that refers to a person who sells goods or services, typically by calling out their wares in a loud, persistent manner. It can also refer to someone who travels around selling goods to different places. Example: The streets of Bangkok were lined with hawkers selling delicious street food such as pad thai, som tam and mango sticky rice. In this example, 'hawker' refers to the vendors who are actively trying to sell their food by calling out and showcasing their dishes to potential customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Taiwo, a hawker in the commercial capital, says that on a good day he might sell five films.

The Economist

The informal (or "underground" or "parallel" economy) is often taken to mean something broader, including illegal activities such as prostitution and drug dealing as well, although there is no agreed strict definition.The grey economy is often thought of as something found at the margins of poor countries, such as a hawker stand in Thailand or a roadside vendor in Ghana.

The Economist

Dr Tay, who runs an indispensable blog, ieatishootipost, dedicated to ferreting out the best stalls, frets that Singapore may be seeing the end of hawker food in its current form.In this section Adrift Lost generations How much longer can they satay?

The Economist

Exploring the cities by rooftop, tasting exotic fruits like mangosteen and durian, and enjoying the hawker centres and steamy nights, were all a great dive into life in the region.

The Economist

The 42-year-old newspaper hawker and father of five had been shot in the side of his head.

The Economist

In Dadun village, on the edge of one of Guangzhou's satellite towns, a notice outside the government headquarters promises rewards of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,600) for turning in "criminals" involved in large riots in June triggered by security guards roughing up a street hawker.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

If on a week day, pedestrians can barely navigate this traffic-congested, hawker-infested, heavily polluted stretch in Mumbai's swank suburb of Bandra, for the last three Sunday mornings these few kilometres of Linking Road have become a road of their own.

The Guardian

Her father, once a button-hawker, had risen to own a jeweller's shop; her mother's creativity began and ended at the front yard.

The Economist

"America is behind all of our troubles," says Mohammed Shafiq, a street-hawker.

The Economist

These ranged from the turboprop Vicker Viscounts and Vanguards of the 1950s and '60s to jets such as the British Aircraft Corporation BAC 1-11, Vickers VC-10, and Hawker-Siddeley Trident and finally to the first supersonic airliner, the Concorde.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's captured a handshake between two of Kevin Rudd's great supporters, lobbyist and strategist Bruce Hawker and Senator Doug Cameron.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a street scene in a foreign country, using the term "hawker" can add authenticity and cultural context, as it is commonly used in many parts of the world to refer to street vendors.

Common error

Avoid using "hawker" interchangeably with terms like "merchant" or "retailer". "Hawker" specifically refers to a mobile vendor, often selling goods on the street, while "merchant" and "retailer" usually imply a more established business or location.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hawker" is as a noun, referring to a person who sells goods or services, often in a public place. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in various contexts, primarily describing individuals engaged in street trading.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hawker" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun to describe a mobile vendor, particularly one selling goods in public spaces. Ludwig AI indicates that it's frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, using "hawker" adds authenticity and cultural context, specifically in descriptive writing about street scenes. Remember to distinguish "hawker" from more general terms like "merchant" or "retailer", and avoid using it if you are not talking about a mobile vendor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

street vendor

Emphasizes the location of the seller.

peddler

Highlights the traveling nature of the seller.

vendor

A more general term for someone who sells.

salesperson

Focuses on the act of selling.

tradesman

Implies a skilled worker who also sells their goods.

merchant

Suggests a larger-scale seller, possibly with a fixed location.

retailer

Refers to a business that sells goods to consumers.

shopkeeper

Emphasizes owning a shop.

dealer

Implies a seller of specific goods, often in a more formal setting.

trader

Indicates someone involved in buying and selling, often internationally.

FAQs

What does "hawker" mean?

A "hawker" is a person who travels around selling goods or services, typically by calling out their wares in a loud, persistent manner. They are often found in street markets or public spaces.

What's the difference between a "hawker" and a "vendor"?

While both sell goods, a "hawker" is usually mobile and vocal, actively soliciting customers, while a "vendor" might have a fixed stall or location. The term "hawker" also carries a connotation of informality and street trading.

What can I say instead of "hawker"?

You can use alternatives like "street vendor", "peddler", or ""vendor"" depending on the context.

Is it offensive to call someone a "hawker"?

No, the term "hawker" is generally not considered offensive. It is a descriptive term for a type of seller. However, be mindful of the context and tone to avoid any unintended negative implications.