panhandling

USAGE SUMMARY

"panhandling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of begging for money in public places. Example: "He was arrested for panhandling near the subway station." Alternative expressions include "begging" and "soliciting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like a sleepwalker, but with unnaturally widened eyes, Philip had made his way past a noisy family loading their minivan to the boy panhandling listlessly at the curb.

The New Yorker

The most publicized approach was a focus on so-called quality-of-life issues: public drunkenness, panhandling, prostitution, graffiti.

The New Yorker

A river from the isle of California that somehow meets the Mississippi — but where?" Jacques, who is obsessed with maps, says to Murmur, who is busy panhandling the audience for spare change to buy his freedom.

The New Yorker

Samantha made money by panhandling on her days off.

The New Yorker

Findley took note of the driver's description of the man — "big, bearded, and toothless," with a limp, and "possibly panhandling" — and drove to Austin, where he quickly located the man among the city's street people.

The New Yorker

Two years later, he was in New York, often associating with groups of anti-Vietnam War protesters while supporting himself by panhandling.

The New Yorker

Shelters, necessary though they still are, are like spare change: they represent panhandling at the level of policy.

The New Yorker

If somebody is aggressively panhandling on the street, urinating against a building.

The New Yorker

The group surveyed the street, drinking from brown-paper bags, leaning on bundles, panhandling with plastic cups, laughing too loudly, ready to attack anyone who made the mistake of approaching their girl.

The New Yorker

There's evidence to support the strategy, but it's not an unambiguous boon to crime-fighting, and it can inflict a disproportionate penalty for infractions of the cigarette-peddling, subway-dancing, panhandling variety.

The New Yorker

Barzee had eventually abandoned her children to be with him, and they'd spent the intervening years panhandling across the country and occasionally pulling a small covered wagon, like the Utah pioneers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive subjects like homelessness, use "panhandling" with consideration. Provide context to explain the individual's circumstances to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. Do not make the act the primary focus of your sentence unless relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "panhandling" interchangeably with general fundraising or donation requests. "Panhandling" specifically refers to soliciting money in public places, often associated with homelessness or poverty. More formal or organized requests should be described differently.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "panhandling" is as a noun, specifically a gerund, referring to the activity of begging for money in public. Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions and situations involving begging.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

The New Yorker

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "panhandling" functions primarily as a noun (gerund) that describes the act of begging for money in public. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media reporting. Related phrases include "begging for money" and "soliciting alms". When using "panhandling", consider the sensitivity of the topic and avoid generalizations. Understanding its grammatical role and typical usage helps ensure clear and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begging for money

Emphasizes the act of asking for money out of need.

street begging

Specifies that the act of begging occurs in a public street.

asking for handouts

Simple expression for requesting assistance from others.

soliciting alms

A more formal term for requesting charitable donations.

seeking donations

A more polite and formal way to describe asking for money, often for a cause.

cadging for change

Implies asking for small amounts of money, often in a casual manner.

bumming for cash

A more informal and sometimes derogatory way to describe asking for money.

mooching for money

Suggests a subtle and perhaps less direct approach to begging.

hawking for handouts

Suggests a persistent and sometimes aggressive approach to asking for money.

scrounging for funds

Implies collecting money from various sources, often with difficulty.

FAQs

What does "panhandling" mean?

"Panhandling" refers to the practice of begging for money in public places. It's often associated with individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty.

What can I say instead of "panhandling"?

You can use alternatives like "begging for money", "soliciting alms", or "street begging" depending on the context.

Is "panhandling" illegal?

The legality of "panhandling" varies by jurisdiction. Some cities have laws against aggressive "panhandling" or prohibit it in certain areas.

What are the social issues related to "panhandling"?

"Panhandling" is often linked to homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues. It raises questions about social responsibility and how communities address the needs of vulnerable populations.