Kézizálog

Kézizálog is a Hungarian term referring to a pawnbroker or a pawnshop. The word itself is a compound of "kéz" meaning hand and "zálog" meaning pledge or pawn. Therefore, kézizálog literally translates to "hand pledge" or "hand pawn," signifying an item that is pledged by hand in exchange for a loan.

Pawnshops operate by allowing individuals to bring valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, or tools, as collateral for a short-term loan. If the borrower repays the loan with interest by a specified deadline, they retrieve their item. If they fail to repay, the pawnshop has the right to sell the item to recoup their money. This system has historically provided a way for people to access quick cash without needing a traditional credit history, though it often comes with higher interest rates. The term kézizálog encompasses both the establishment where these transactions take place and the individual who operates it.