Poppagator: Penny, if you insist upon characterising street musicians as beggars, so be it. You're not the only one. Now I know that you're one of the majority of passers-by who don't tip -- no big deal. I'm just dismayed that such a misanthropic individual is participating in a musician's forum.

Many years ago, when I was busking full-time, I did not file a tax return (here in the UK it is a criminal offence not to declare earnings) I'm just dismayed that such a misanthropic individual is participating in a musician's forum

I think you should change your name to Robin Hood. ;-) and I should be banished for having an opinion and stating it :-(    Does that make you a Fiddling Busker or Just a dishonest Beggar?

When did I either say or imply I don't "tip"? in fact I have and do as the occasion warrant give to both Beggars who either offer entertainment as an incentive to give money and those who don't - neither do I characterise street musicians as Beggars simple answered the Topic's question with a dictionary definition - If you want to work from a different dictionary fair enough.


Shambles: We agree! to disagree but there's nothing wrong with that is there?


Blues=Life: I reiterate, NOT my definitions, dictionary definitions (sources: Webster's & Concise Oxford 5th edition)- and don't forget the parenthesis (especially......)

From the definition you quote:

Of course one would also need to define entertain - in your terms at what point would your defined "Beggar" become a "Busker"?

If I understand what you imply above, I would presume if the person asking for money offers me something I don't find entertaining he would be a "Beggar" if I enjoy his offerings and find them entertaining he then becomes a "Busker" - whether an individual enjoys, or not, some form of entertainment (However technically good that form may be) must be a matter of individual choice? so what is a Beggar to one Person is a Busker to another? and so the answer to the original post must be Yes and No (of course).

Us Dance? have you never heard of the Richter scale :-)

P.B.