Why do they call them "panhandlers"?

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Word origins, P

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	Why do they call them "panhandlers"? By Science Dude. Asked May 28 2009 2:42PM	24 Pts Rate Question

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by -NUNYAs sharing her love with YOU...hugs on May 28, 2009 at 3:02 pm Permalink

Maybe because they are holding a "pan" by the "handle" as they wait for some loose change to "tink" into the pan? Just a guess. +5

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uncacal May, 28 2009 at 03:08 PM

Science Dude. May, 28 2009 at 03:16 PM

As good an answer as any.

-NUNYAs sharing her love with YOU...hugs May, 28 2009 at 03:28 PM

Thanks uncacal and Science Dude!!!

Answer 2 out of 4

by Factotum on May 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm Permalink

I suspect it has to do with tinkers but I'm not sure.

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-NUNYAs sharing her love with YOU...hugs May, 28 2009 at 03:03 PM

Answer 3 out of 4

by uncacal on May 28, 2009 at 2:46 pm Permalink

The outstretched arm is supposed to represent a panhandle. Often called 'stemmers' as well.

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-NUNYAs sharing her love with YOU...hugs May, 28 2009 at 03:03 PM

Science Dude. May, 28 2009 at 03:17 PM

You must be British. +6

uncacal May, 28 2009 at 03:22 PM

No. People stem all over Boston, everyday. That is what THEY call it.

Answer 4 out of 4

by calicorey on May 28, 2009 at 7:46 pm Permalink

We call this practice “panhandling,” the origin of which is obscure. Some believe it is because beggars used to sit quietly on the sidewalk with a pan, others believe it is because an outstretched hand looks like a panhandle. Neither of these theories strikes me as realistic. I prefer to think it comes from the desire of the person being asked for money to hit the beggar with any available weapon, such as a panhandle, pans being commonly carried objects in the early 19th century.