The History of Ragseller: From Street Vendor to Derogatory Term

Ragseller is a slang term that originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It refers to a street vendor who sells rags, which are pieces of cloth used for cleaning or polishing. The term is often associated with immigrants from Eastern Europe, particularly Jews, who were known to sell rags on the streets of New York City and other urban areas.

The word "ragseller" is derived from the Yiddish language, in which "rag" means "cloth" or "rags," and "seller" means "merchant" or "trader." Over time, the term became a derogatory slur used by non-Jewish Americans to refer to Jewish street vendors who sold rags. The term was often used in a derogatory manner to imply that the vendors were poor, uneducated, and unsavory.

Today, the term "ragseller" is largely considered an antiquated and offensive term, and it is not commonly used in contemporary English. However, it remains a significant part of American cultural history and a reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant communities in the past.