Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

Hi


I would like to know if there is any difference in meaning between these words.

Your help is very appreciated.

Re: Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

People might use them to say something bad about a person when they don't want to swear. It might not be exactly true but it's a put-down. For that use they are all OK except 'panhandler'. I've never heard 'panhandler' used out of context.

A 'bum' - generally a man who is lazy, asks for money from you, is sort of good for nothing ...

A 'tramp' - a a woman that sleeps around or has sex with anyone quite easily, a woman who gets around (sexually)

A 'beggar' - someone who begs for food or money to survive

A 'street urchin' - is an undesirable person on the street, probably a homeless person or a beggar

A 'panhandler' - a person who begs for money or food on the street

Re: Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

Sorry, I should say a 'bum' can be a friend, someone you know, a relative, or just a beggar on the streets.

Re: Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

These words all have pretty negative connotations, except for maybe panhandler. I would opt for other words if you can.

Re: Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

I would say that "street urchin" is the word that is not used a lot in everyday English. It reminds me of the movie Aladdin! Tramp used to be used in English as a word to describe a cheat or an unsavory character. Now I think it pretty much is used to describe a prostitute.

Re: Bum/Tramp/Beggar/street urchin/panhandler
 

Also ... panhandler is US English and I presume street urchin is too, as I've never actually heard it.