different between spanger vs spanner

English

Etymology

spange +? -er (“person who does”), root blend of spare +? change, from stereotyped phrase “spare change?”, “spare any change?”

Pronunciation

Noun

spanger (plural spangers)

1. (US, slang, derogatory) beggar, one who uses the phrase “spare change?”
   • 2007, Pam Hogeweide, Spangers and Song on Hawthorne:

     I squatted down on the sidewalk to get eye level with the spanger (someone who asks passerbys for spare change).

Usage notes

While sometimes used neutrally, more often used pejoratively, with connotations of professional begging.

Related terms

• spange
• spanging

References

Anagrams

• Pranges, engrasp

English

Etymology

span +? -er

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: sp?n'?(r), IPA^(key): /?spæn.?(?)/
• (US) enPR: sp?n'?r, IPA^(key): /?spæn.?/
• Rhymes: -æn?(r)

Noun

spanner (plural spanners)

1. (Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Ireland) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts; a wrench.

   Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.

2. (rare) One who, or that which, spans.
3. (weaponry) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
4. (obsolete) A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
5. (Britain) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works)

   Halfway through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.

6. (Britain, Ireland, mildly derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.

   You spanner, Rodney! I wanted some time, not a bunch of thyme!

Synonyms

• (hand tool for nuts and bolts): wrench (US)

Related terms

• adjustable spanner
• ring spanner
• spanner barb
• throw a spanner in the works

Descendants

Translations

Anagrams

• Pensarn, panners