5 types of strangers who speak to you in the street

Imagine this situation- you're walking along the street, and a stranger tries to talk to you. Surprising, isn't it? And maybe a little scary? Especially if you are new to the UK, or don't speak perfect English.

This person who has stopped you in the street - what do they want? Maybe they just want directions, But what if they are stopping everyone? I can think of five different types of people who sometimes speak to me in town, and I'm going to describe them in today's blog.

1. Big Issue sellers

If the person who calls out to you is wearing a red tabard and holding a magazine, they are probably a Big Issue seller. The Big Issue is a magazine which people can sell to make money. They may be homeless or just unemployed. The Big Issue Foundation is a charity which helps people to make money in this respectable way instead of begging. The sellers buy the magazine for £1.25, and sell it for £2.50. They keep the profit.

What do they say?

"Big Issue madam?" or "Big Issue sir?"

2. Beggars

If the person is sitting on the floor when they call out to you, they are probably begging for money. I sometimes give money to beggars because I feel sorry for them, but it isn't the right thing to do. Instead we should give money to charities like Shelter. Shelter helps people who are homeless, and people who are at risk of losing their home.

What do they say?

"Can you spare some change please?"

3. Religious groups.

If the person is smiling and giving out a free magazine called The Watchtower, then they are a Jehova's Witness. If they are about 21 years old, wearing a white shirt and a name tag, they may be a Mormon. Mormons and Jehova's Witnesses are christian groups which are always looking for new members, and they will be delighted to answer your questions about their religion.

What do they say?

They might speak to you, or they might just stand there handing out leaflets.

4. Paid fundraisers

If the person blocks your path with a big smile and asks you how you are, they are probably a fundraiser. Fundraisers in the street are paid by charities, and their job is to persuade you to give money to their charity by direct debit. Some fundraisers are polite, but many are annoying, and so there is a common nickname for them: CHUGGERS. It's a combination or two words- charity + mugger. (A mugger is a criminal who stops you with a knife and makes you give them all your money.)

What do they say?

"Hello!! How are you today?"

5. Survey takers

If they are holding a clipboard, they may be a 'chugger', OR they may be a survey taker. This is someone whose job is to find out information about the population. Usually they don't need to know your name, they just want to know your opnions. If you stop, they will be so grateful and polite, but beware! Their survey might take a long time.

What do they say?

"Can I have a moment of your time?"

How can you reply?

Even if I don't want to stop, I usually acknowledge the person with a smile. (Except to chuggers! Chuggers drive me mad.) I keep walking confidently onwards, and say something like this-

To a Big Issue seller: "Not today thank you."

To a beggar: "No, sorry."

To a religious person: "No thank you."

To fundraisers and survey takers: "Sorry but I'm in a hurry."

Strangers do often talk to each other, just to be friendly. In Newcastle, strangers often get talking when they are standing at a bus stop, sitting on a bus, or queueing in a shop. Favourite topics include complaining about late buses or bad weather. What about in your native country? When do strangers talk to each other? I would love to read your comments.

Glossary

a tabard - a coloured overcoat without sleeves. It may be part of a uniform.

homeless - with no place to sleep.

begging - asking for money

to feel sorry for someone - to feel pity or sympathy.

a fundraiser - someone who raises funds (= collects money) for a charity.

to block someone's path - to stand in front of a walking person, like an obstacle.

direct debit - a monthly bank payment

a survey - a questionnaire

a clipboard - a A4 sized board made of wood. Used for resting a questionnaire on as you write.

Grammar note.

They.

Look at this sentence in 5: 'If they are holding a clipboard, they may be a chugger or they may be a survey taker.' In this sentence I use they instead of he/she. IT ISN'T PLURAL - there is just one person with a clipboard. I use they because I don't know the sex of the person.

#experiencerealBritain #Britishculture #TheBigIssue