Small businessman (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PEDDLER
A peddler is a small businessman who travels from place to place selling goods, typically small items or merchandise carried in a pack, basket, or cart. This seven-letter word perfectly fits the crossword definition of a small-scale, independent merchant who operates without a fixed storefront, making their living through direct sales to customers in various locations.
Understanding the Word PEDDLER
- The term "peddler" (also spelled "pedlar" in British English) refers to an itinerant trader who has been a fixture of commerce for centuries.
- Unlike established shopkeepers, peddlers represent the essence of small business entrepreneurship—operating independently with minimal overhead, moving their inventory to where customers are rather than waiting for customers to come to them.
- Historically, peddlers played a crucial role in rural communities and remote areas where access to stores was limited.
- They would carry essential goods, novelties, and news from town to town, serving as both merchants and informal communication channels.
- Today, the word encompasses street vendors, door-to-door salespeople, and anyone conducting small-scale mobile retail operations.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for synonyms of occupations: Words like merchant, trader, vendor, and hawker often appear in business-related clues.
- Count the letters carefully: The "(7)" notation immediately tells you to focus on seven-letter words, eliminating options like "vendor" (6) or "salesman" (8).
- Consider old-fashioned terms: Crossword puzzles frequently use traditional or somewhat archaic words like "peddler" rather than modern equivalents.
- Think about word variations: Remember that "peddler" can also be spelled "pedlar," though the American spelling with double-d is more common.
- Use crossing letters: If you're stuck, solve intersecting clues first to reveal letters that will help confirm PEDDLER as the answer.
- Context matters: The word "small" in the clue is key—it rules out large-scale business terms and points toward individual, modest operations.
Small businessman (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between a peddler and a merchant?
A: A peddler is typically a traveling salesperson who sells goods in small quantities without a permanent location, while a merchant usually operates from a fixed store or conducts larger-scale trade operations.
Q: Is PEDDLER always the answer for "small businessman"?
A: Not always. Depending on the letter count, alternatives might include TRADER (6), VENDOR (6), or RETAILER (8). The seven-letter requirement makes PEDDLER the most likely answer.
Q: Why is this spelling used instead of "pedlar"?
A: American crosswords typically use "PEDDLER" with double-d, while British puzzles might use "PEDLAR." Both are correct, but check your puzzle's origin for guidance.
Q: Are there related crossword clues I should know?
A: Yes! Related clues might include "street vendor," "hawker," "traveling salesman," or "door-to-door seller"—all pointing to similar small-scale business operators.
Q: Can PEDDLER refer to someone selling specific items?
A: Absolutely. Historically, you'd find fish peddlers, vegetable peddlers, or notion peddlers (selling sewing supplies). The term can be used broadly or specifically depending on context.
