hokster

The term "hokster" refers to someone who sells goods, often in a loud or aggressive manner. This can include street vendors, hawkers, or peddlers. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the seller is pushy, dishonest, or selling inferior products.

Historically, hoksters played a significant role in commerce, especially in urban areas where they brought goods directly to consumers. They might sell anything from fresh produce and meats to household items and trinkets. Their methods often involved shouting, making exaggerated claims, or offering deals that seemed too good to be true. This aggressive salesmanship, while effective for some, also contributed to the negative perception of the profession.

In contemporary usage, "hokster" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who promotes something, such as a politician or an idea, in a similarly unsubtle or insincere way. The core idea remains the same: a forceful and perhaps disingenuous attempt to persuade others, usually for personal gain. While the traditional image of a street vendor is still associated with the term, its application has broadened to encompass various forms of forceful persuasion.