What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pusher
Example
The police arrested the drug pusher on the corner. [pusher: noun]
Example
The salesman was a pusher, always trying to convince people to buy his products. [pusher: adjective]
peddler
Example
The peddler sold handmade jewelry on the sidewalk. [peddler: noun]
Example
The politician was accused of being a peddler of false promises. [peddler: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peddler is more commonly used than pusher in everyday language, as it can refer to a wider range of products and situations. Pusher is a more specific term that is primarily used in the context of illegal drug sales.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pusher and peddler?
Neither pusher nor peddler are particularly formal words, but pusher is associated with a more informal and potentially dangerous context due to its association with illegal drugs.
