As a noun, a narrow strip of territory extending from a larger area; as a verb, to beg for money in public places.
From the resemblance of certain geographic regions to the handle of a pan. The begging sense emerged in early 20th century American English, from the practice of extending a pan or cup to collect donations, literally 'handling a pan.'
The geographic and social meanings of 'panhandle' create an interesting linguistic coincidence - both involve something extending outward from a main body. States like Texas and Florida have famous panhandles, while the verb form captures a very human survival strategy that's as old as civilization itself.
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