peddle
B2Informal/neutral; can be pejorative when used for ideas or illegal goods.
Definition
Meaning
To try to sell goods, especially by going from place to place.
To try to sell (an idea, belief, or point of view) in a persistent or intrusive way; also, to sell (illegal drugs or illicit goods).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies minor, sometimes underhanded or persistent selling. Often conflated with 'pedal' (a bike part or to operate with foot) due to homophony. Distinct from 'pedlar/peddler' (the person).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling of agent noun: UK 'pedlar' is common for an itinerant seller, while 'peddler' is also used, especially for drug dealers. US almost exclusively uses 'peddler' for all senses. The verb form 'peddle' is identical.
Connotations
In both, 'peddle' for tangible goods can be neutral but old-fashioned. For ideas or misinformation, it is strongly pejorative. For drugs, it is standard informal/legal register.
Frequency
More frequent in US English, particularly in the 'peddle influence/information/drugs' collocations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + peddle + [Noun Phrase] (goods, ideas)[Subject] + peddle + [Noun Phrase] + to [Recipient][Subject] + peddle + [Noun Phrase] + on the streets/onlineVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “peddle one's wares”
- “peddle snake oil (sell false promises)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal business; used in journalism for 'peddle influence' or unethical sales.
Academic
Used in social sciences/linguistics to describe dissemination of ideologies.
Everyday
Common for criticising someone spreading rumours or bad ideas. 'He's just peddling conspiracy theories.'
Technical
In legal contexts: 'charged with peddling narcotics'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He used to peddle cheap toys from a suitcase in the market.
- The tabloid continues to peddle baseless rumours about the celebrity.
- She was arrested for peddling counterfeit perfume.
American English
- They peddle their homemade jam at the farmer's market.
- Politicians shouldn't peddle fear to get votes.
- He was charged with peddling opioids in the neighborhood.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man peddles fruit on this street.
- He travels to different towns to peddle his handcrafted jewellery.
- Don't peddle gossip in the office.
- The organisation was accused of peddling extremist views online.
- Authorities are cracking down on those who peddle illegal substances.
- The regime's propaganda machine peddles a narrative of perpetual victimhood to maintain control.
- He artfully peddled his influence to secure contracts for his associates.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PEDDLER with a bicycle PEDAL, going from door to door to PEDDLE his goods.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE COMMODITIES (to peddle a lie), DISSEMINATION IS TRAVEL (going around to sell).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'pedal' (педаль). 'Peddle' is торговать вразнос, распространять (идеи), сбывать (наркотики).
- Не использовать для общей продажи в магазине — только для мелкой, навязчивой или нелегальной.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'pedal' (e.g., 'He tried to pedal fake watches').
- Using it for large-scale, legitimate sales (e.g., 'The company peddles software').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'peddle' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Sell' is a general, neutral term. 'Peddle' implies small-scale, often persistent or intrusive selling, sometimes of questionable goods or ideas.
Not always. It can be neutral for itinerant selling (e.g., 'peddle wares'), but it often carries a negative connotation when referring to spreading misinformation or selling illegal items.
Associate the 'dd' in 'peddle' with the 'dd' in 'add' or 'goods' – you 'add' goods to your stock to peddle. 'Pedal' relates to 'foot' (like a bicycle pedal).
It's generally too informal or pejorative. Use 'sell', 'market', 'distribute', or 'vend' instead in formal contexts.