What is Panhandling?
1.
Also referred to begging, sponging, spanging. Aggressive panhandling involves the solicitation of donations in an inappropriate and intimidating manner. This is not mugging, but rather a "borderline" activity which is often prohibited by law.
Etymology:
back-formation from panhandler, probably from panhandle, noun; from the extended forearm
Date:
1894
intransitive verb : to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg transitive verb 1 : to accost on the street and beg from 2 : to get by panhandling
"Hey did you see that bum panhandling. His sign said, 'My Father was Killed by Ninjas, Need Money for Karate lessons.' He would be better off with a bottle of Jack Daniels and vial of crack."
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