Hawker

/ˈhɔːkər/ noun

Definition

A person who travels around selling goods, usually inexpensive items, often by calling out loudly to attract customers; a street vendor or peddler.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch 'hocken' (to crouch, peddle) or possibly from 'hawk' (to offer for sale). The term became common in English by the 1500s for traveling merchants.

Kelly Says

Hawkers were the original entrepreneurs—they had no storefront, just their voice, their wits, and their goods. In many Asian cities, street hawker culture remains vibrant and is now being celebrated as intangible cultural heritage!

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