what is panhandling

Panhandling is the act of asking people for money or other items of value in a public place, often with no expectation of reciprocation. A person who engages in panhandling is called a panhandler or beggar. Panhandling can be passive, where the panhandler simply holds out a cup or hand without any threat or menace, or aggressive, where the panhandler solicits coercively, with actual or implied threats, or menacing actions. In some places, aggressive panhandling is prohibited by law. Panhandling is often associated with homelessness and poverty, and many panhandlers use the money they receive to support substance abuse and other addictions.