Patterer is a word that commonly refers to street vendors who sell their goods by loudly shouting out their wares, usually in a singsong tone. The word is pronounced as "pat-uh-rer," with the first "t" being emphasized, and the final "er" pronounced as "uh." The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈpætərər/. The spelling of the word can be confusing, as it ends with two different vowel sounds, but it is important to pronounce both syllables distinctly to correctly convey the meaning of the word.
A patterer is a noun that refers to a person who engages in the act of delivering a rapid, persuasive, and rhythmic talk or speech, often in a loud and animated manner, with the intention to entertain, sell goods, or attract attention from the public. The term typically applies to street vendors, buskers, or performers who use their persuasive skills to captivate an audience and promote their goods or services.
Patterers are often characterized by their charming and engaging mannerisms, quick wit, and the ability to use persuasive language to convince others. They are skilled in delivering a fluent and rhythmic speech, with a rapid pace combined with a captivating tone and body language that keeps the audience engaged and entertained.
Historically, patterers were commonly found in busy city streets, marketplaces, and theaters, where they would draw attention to themselves by shouting, chanting, or delivering captivating speeches to capture the passersby's attention. Their primary goal is to create a sense of excitement, curiosity, and urgency in the audience, thereby increasing the chances of selling their goods or creating a memorable experience.
In modern times, the concept of a patterer has also extended to include individuals who engage in rapid, persuasive speech in various fields beyond salesmanship, such as politicians, auctioneers, or stand-up comedians. The art of pattering has evolved as a performance technique that encompasses both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
The word "patterer" is derived from the verb "to patter", which originated in the early 16th century. "Patter" initially meant to make quick, light tapping sounds, imitating the sound of rain or small footsteps. Over time, it evolved to describe rapid, repetitive speech or a quick, lively manner of speaking. The noun form "patterer" emerged in the late 16th century to refer to a person who engages in this kind of rapid or glib speech. In particular, it became associated with street performers, such as carnival barkers, who would use a rapid and rhythmic speech pattern to captivate audiences and attract attention to their shows. Thus, "patterer" came to be closely associated with a certain type of street entertainer or hawker.