Pronunciation: [ʃnˈɔː] (IPA) 
The word "schnoor" is a colloquialism that refers to someone who mooches or begs for money. It is spelled with an "oo" instead of the more commonly used "ou" because it is a phonetic spelling that represents the way the word sounds when spoken in German. In IPA, the pronunciation is /ʃnʊər/, with the phonetic symbol for the "oo" sound being the "ʊ" which represents the short u sound as in "put".
"Schnoor" is a verb of German origin, primarily used in American English slang. It refers to the act of panhandling or begging for money or other goods, typically done on the streets or in public spaces. A person who schnoors is known as a "schnoorer," and the act itself is called "schnooring."
The practice of schnooring involves approaching strangers or passersby with the intention of soliciting money or items of value. It often involves persistent and sometimes aggressive begging that may include repeated requests or attempts to convince or manipulate the recipient into providing what is desired. The ultimate goal of schnooring is to obtain financial or material assistance from others without necessarily providing anything in return.
The term "schnoor" is often associated with individuals resorting to beggary due to financial hardship, addiction, or homelessness. However, it can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who engages in the act of begging, regardless of their circumstances.
While schnooring is generally viewed negatively by society, with many jurisdictions implementing laws or regulations to discourage or outright prohibit the activity, it remains a prevalent phenomenon in urban areas. The word's slightly humorous or whimsical connotation has led to its adoption as part of American English slang, where it is used colloquially to describe someone who habitually asks for favors, money, or things without reciprocating or providing any real value in return.
The word "schnoor" originated from the Yiddish language. Its etymology can be traced back to the German word "schnüren", which means "to lace" or "to knot". In Yiddish, it developed the meaning of "to beg" or "to solicit". The term "schnoor" specifically refers to a beggar or someone who uses deceitful or persistent tactics to obtain something for free from others. Over time, "schnoor" has made its way into English vernacular, mainly in American English, where it is used as a slang term for begging or mooching off others.
