What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ragman
Example
The ragman came by the neighborhood to collect old clothes and rags. [ragman: noun]
Example
He worked as a ragman, buying and selling used clothing at the flea market. [ragman: noun]
junkman
Example
The junkman drove around the city collecting old appliances and scrap metal. [junkman: noun]
Example
He made a living as a junkman, buying and selling discarded items from garage sales. [junkman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Junkman is more commonly used than ragman in everyday language. Junkman is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts, while ragman is an older term that is less commonly used today.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ragman and junkman?
Both ragman and junkman are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation or in specific industries. Neither term is considered particularly formal or appropriate for formal writing or speech.
