Panhandles refers to the narrow strips of land that project from a larger area, such as Oklahoma and Texas' "panhandles." The word has a tricky spelling because it combines the prefix "pan-" meaning "all" or "whole" with the word "handle," which refers to a part of something used for grasping. The pronunciation is /pæn.hændlz/ with stress on the first syllable. So, panhandles is spelled with two n's to indicate the doubled consonant sound in the word's second syllable.
Panhandles refers to the act of soliciting or begging for money or donations, typically done by stretching out one's arm with an open hand, similar to holding a pan or container. This term is often used to describe the action of asking for money on the streets or in public places. The practice of panhandling is frequently associated with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardships.
The term "panhandles" can also be used to describe specific regions or areas in the United States that have a distinctive shape resembling a panhandle, such as the panhandle of Texas or Florida. In this context, it refers to the narrow strip of land that extends out from the main part of the state or territory.
As a verb, "to panhandle" means to ask for money or donations, usually in a public setting. It involves extending one's hand or holding out a container, such as a pan or cup, in the hope of receiving charitable contributions. Panhandling can take various forms, including verbal requests, written signs, or performing certain acts or skills in exchange for money.
While panhandling is not illegal in many places, it can be regulated or restricted in certain areas due to concerns about safety, public nuisance, or solicitation laws. Some cities have implemented specific measures to manage or control panhandling activities, such as designated panhandling zones or regulations regarding distance from certain establishments.
The word "panhandles" originates from the phrase "panhandle" which specifically refers to a narrow strip of land extending from a larger territory, resembling the handle of a pan. This term was initially used to describe the shape of the part of a skillet or frying pan that is held. Over time, it was metaphorically applied to describe the shape of a geographical region. The term "panhandle" was first used to refer to the western part of Virginia in the United States during the early 19th century. It was then adapted to describe similar narrow strips of land in other states as well, such as Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Idaho. As a result, the term "panhandles" emerged to refer to these specific regions, denoting their long and narrow shape resembling a panhandle.