junkman
Definition
- Noun:
- A dealer in old or secondhand goods: "junkman" refers to a person who buys, sells, or collects discarded or used items, such as scrap metal, old furniture, or other unwanted materials.
- A collector of scrap or waste: In a more specific sense, a "junkman" is someone who gathers junk from homes, businesses, or dumps for recycling or resale.
Usage Examples
- (A dealer in secondhand or scrap goods.)
- (A person who deals in old items.)
- (A collector of scrap materials.)
Advanced Usage
- "junkman's bargain": a very cheap deal or a transaction involving low-quality goods.
- He got that broken clock for a junkman's bargain at the flea market. (He bought it for a very low price, typical of junk trading.)
Variants and Related Words
- Junk (n): discarded or useless material; old or secondhand goods.
- The attic was full of old junk. (Unwanted items.)
- Junker (n): a person who deals in junk; also a term for an old, dilapidated car.
- He drove an old junker to work every day. (A worn-out vehicle.)
- Junk shop (n): a store that sells secondhand goods or antiques.
- She found a rare vase at a local junk shop. (A shop run by a junkman.)
Synonyms
- Scrap dealer: a person who buys and sells scrap metal or waste.
- Rag-and-bone man: a historical term for a collector of rags, bones, and other recyclable waste.
- Secondhand dealer: a seller of used goods.
Related Idioms
- "Out of the junkman's cart": something of very poor quality or appearance.
- That old hat looks like it came out of the junkman's cart. (It appears worn and worthless.)
Usage Notes
- The term "junkman" is somewhat informal and may be considered dated or regional (primarily North American). It can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying a focus on low-value items. In modern contexts, it is often replaced by terms like "scrap collector" or "recycling dealer."