The origin of the word âpanhandlerâ is a mystery.
Some have suggested it was originally used as a reference to people who lived in the geographic panhandle of a state. Others suggest it derived from the Spanish âpan,â meaning bread, and still others simply tie it to the tin pan extended by a beggar on a sidewalk. One outdated dictionary defined panhandler by distinguishing the person as âable-bodiedâ in contrast to other beggars who arenât.
More interesting is that panhandlers donât use the term. They donât âpanhandle." They âfly a sign.â This refers to a piece of cardboard or other simple material with a short message written on it, such as, âAnything helps,â or, âWill work for food,â to grab the attention of a passerby.