Hawkers Meaning and Definition
Hawkers
Pronunciation
/ˈhɔːkərz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who travels from place to place, typically in a rural or developing area, selling goods or offering services, often without a fixed base or regular market.
Examples
- The hawkers in the market were selling fresh produce.
- Hawkers often roam the city streets, offering their wares to passing pedestrians.
Synonyms
- Vendor
- Seller
Antonyms
- Retailer
- Manufacturer
Etymology
The term “Hawker” comes from the Middle English word “hawke,” meaning “to hawk” or “to cry out,” likely referencing the loud cries of vendors and peddlers to attract customers.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, the term “Hawker” often carries connotations of informality, casual commerce, and adaptability to changing circumstances.
Cultural References
The term “Hawker” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, often as a way to evoke a sense of place and cultural tradition.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Hawkers’ market” is a common idiomatic expression that refers to an informal gathering place where vendors and peddlers gather to sell their wares.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include “peddler,” “tramp,” “vagabond,” and “itinerant vendor.”
Collocations
Hawkers often collocate with other words, such as “street,” “market,” “truck,” “cart,” and “wares.”
Frequency of Use
The term “Hawker” is relatively infrequent in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts and regions to refer to informal vendors and peddlers.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings and variations of the term “Hawker” include “Hoekers,” “Hokeirs,” and “Hookers.”