Beggar vs. Panhandler — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
A beggar is someone who asks for money or food from others out of necessity, while a panhandler specifically solicits money in public places, often seen as more aggressive or persistent in approach.
Difference Between Beggar and Panhandler
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Beggars encompass a broad category of individuals who seek help, including money, food, or other necessities, often due to poverty, homelessness, or other dire circumstances. They might be found in various settings, from streets to religious places, appealing to the public's generosity. On the other hand, panhandlers are typically found in urban environments, engaging passersby directly for monetary donations. Their approach can vary from passive to assertive, and they often rely on specific strategies or locations to increase their chances of receiving aid.
While begging is a general term that covers a wide range of solicitations for help, panhandling is often associated with a specific method of begging in public spaces. Panhandlers might use signs, verbal requests, or perform acts like playing music to solicit money, whereas beggars might simply sit or stand in a location visibly in need, without directly approaching individuals.
The public's perception of beggars and panhandlers can differ significantly. Beggars are often seen as individuals in genuine need, evoking sympathy and compassion. Conversely, panhandlers are sometimes viewed with skepticism, partly due to the perception that some may choose to panhandle as an easier alternative to employment, rather than out of necessity. This perception is influenced by the more visible and sometimes persistent tactics used by panhandlers.
Legal distinctions between begging and panhandling can also exist, with some areas having specific ordinances that regulate panhandling. These laws may restrict panhandling in certain areas, at specific times, or regulate the manner in which it is conducted, reflecting societal attempts to manage public solicitation. Meanwhile, broader laws regarding begging might be more focused on preventing exploitation or ensuring public safety, without directly addressing the nuances of panhandling.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Asks for money or food due to necessity.
Solicits money in public, often with a specific strategy.
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Location
Can be found in various settings.
Typically found in urban, public spaces.
Approach
May not directly approach individuals.
Often directly approaches or uses signs/performances.
Public Perception
Generally viewed with sympathy.
Often viewed with skepticism or annoyance.
Legal Regulation
Subject to general laws on begging.
May face specific ordinances regulating panhandling.
Compare with Definitions
Beggar
An individual asking for help, usually in the form of money or food, due to poverty.
The beggar at the subway entrance holds a cup for spare change.
Panhandler
An individual who actively approaches others for monetary donations.
Panhandlers often choose busy intersections for greater visibility.
Beggar
One who lives by asking for charitable donations.
The beggar shared his story of hardship with passersby.
Panhandler
A person seeking financial assistance from the public, often seen as more aggressive.
The panhandler persistently asked passersby for spare change.
Beggar
A person in need soliciting aid from others.
Every morning, the beggar sits quietly by the church door.
Panhandler
An individual engaging in the act of soliciting money under the guise of various pretexts.
The panhandler claimed to need bus fare to get home.
Beggar
Someone who relies on the generosity of others for survival.
Beggars are common sights in areas with high foot traffic.
Panhandler
A person who solicits money from strangers in public places using various methods.
The panhandler used a witty sign to catch the attention of pedestrians.
Beggar
A person asking for assistance without offering goods or services in return.
The beggar’s sign asked for food or money to help feed his family.
Panhandler
Someone using signs or performances to solicit money in urban settings.
A panhandler played the guitar on the sidewalk with a case open for donations.
Beggar
A person, typically a homeless one, who lives by asking for money or food.
Panhandler
To approach strangers and beg for money or food.
Beggar
A person of a specified type, especially one to be envied or pitied
Poor little beggars
Panhandler
To approach and beg from (a stranger).
Beggar
Reduce (someone) to poverty
Why should I beggar myself for you?
Panhandler
To obtain by approaching and begging from a stranger
Panhandled money.
Beggar
One who solicits alms for a living.
Panhandler
One who panhandles; an urban beggar who typically stands on a street with an outstretched container in hand, begging for loose change or money.
Beggar
An impoverished person; a pauper.
Panhandler
A beggar who approaches strangers asking for money
Beggar
(Informal) A man or a boy.
Beggar
To make a beggar of; impoverish.
Beggar
To exceed the limits, resources, or capabilities of
Beauty that beggars description.
Beggar
A person who begs.
Beggar
A person suffering from extreme poverty.
Beggar
A mean or wretched person; a scoundrel.
What does that silly beggar think he's doing?
Beggar
(UK) A minced oath for bugger.
Beggar
(transitive) To make a beggar of someone; impoverish.
Beggar
To exhaust the resources of; to outdo.
Beggar
One who begs; one who asks or entreats earnestly, or with humility; a petitioner.
Beggar
One who makes it his business to ask alms.
Beggar
One who is dependent upon others for support; - a contemptuous or sarcastic use.
Beggar
One who assumes in argument what he does not prove.
Beggar
To reduce to beggary; to impoverish; as, he had beggared himself.
Beggar
To cause to seem very poor and inadequate.
It beggared all description.
Beggar
A pauper who lives by begging
Beggar
Be beyond the resources of;
This beggars description!
Beggar
Reduce to beggary
Common Curiosities
Are panhandlers always considered aggressive?
Not always; while some panhandlers may be persistent or use direct approaches, others may simply display a sign or perform in a less intrusive manner.
Can beggars and panhandlers earn a significant amount of money?
The amount of money beggars and panhandlers can earn varies widely and is often unpredictable, depending on location, method, and individual circumstances.
How do cities manage begging and panhandling?
Cities may implement laws to regulate begging and panhandling, offer social services to those in need, or initiate programs aimed at reducing homelessness and poverty.
What distinguishes a panhandler from a beggar?
Panhandlers specifically solicit money in public spaces, often employing direct approaches or specific strategies, whereas begging can encompass a broader range of soliciting aid.
What is the public's role in addressing begging and panhandling?
The public can play a role by supporting social programs, being informed about the issues leading to begging and panhandling, and choosing how to respond to solicitations.
What is a beggar?
A beggar is someone who asks for money, food, or other necessities from others, often out of a genuine need.
Is panhandling legal?
The legality of panhandling varies by location, with some cities and countries imposing regulations on where, when, and how panhandling can occur.
Why do people beg or panhandle?
Individuals may beg or panhandle due to various circumstances, including poverty, homelessness, unemployment, or other personal crises.
What strategies do panhandlers use to increase donations?
Strategies include choosing high-traffic locations, using creative signs, performing, or sharing personal stories to evoke empathy.
How do people generally react to beggars and panhandlers?
Reactions can range from sympathy and assistance to skepticism and annoyance, influenced by personal beliefs and the context of the solicitation.
What are the societal impacts of begging and panhandling?
Begging and panhandling can highlight social and economic issues within a community, such as poverty, lack of social services, and unemployment.
How do cultural perceptions of begging and panhandling vary?
Cultural perceptions can vary widely, with some cultures viewing begging as an acceptable form of receiving aid, while others may stigmatize it or consider panhandling intrusive.
Can begging or panhandling be a choice rather than a necessity?
While some may beg or panhandle out of genuine need, others might see it as a viable alternative to traditional employment, influenced by various personal reasons.
Do beggars and panhandlers use the money for specific purposes?
Uses vary; some may use the money for basic necessities like food and shelter, while others might spend it on substances or save it for personal goals.
Are there alternatives to giving money to beggars or panhandlers?
Alternatives include donating to charities, offering food, or providing information on local social services.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
