French translation of ragmen is 
chiffonniers

Meaning of "ragmen" in English

"Ragmen" refers to individuals who traditionally collected and dealt with old clothes and rags for recycling or resale. Historically, ragmen played an essential role in early waste management by gathering textiles and other reusable materials from homes and streets. They would sort and sell these items to merchants or manufacturers who could reclaim the materials. Although the profession has largely disappeared, it highlights an early form of resourcefulness and recycling. In modern times, the term might be used metaphorically to describe anyone who collects or deals in discarded or second-hand items.

Meaning of "chiffonniers" in French

The French term "chiffonniers" refers to individuals akin to ragmen, who collected old clothes, rags, and other discarded materials for reselling or recycling. This profession was common in urban areas in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Paris. Chiffonniers played a vital role in managing waste and facilitating recycling long before organized waste management systems existed. Today, the term may evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when resourcefulness was necessary for survival. Like the English term, "chiffonniers" can also metaphorically denote someone dealing with second-hand items.

Pronunciation of "ragmen" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈræɡmɛn]

Pronunciation Variations: While "ragmen" generally follows a standard pronunciation, some regional variations may exist, influenced by accents. In regions with stronger accents, the end might sound closer to "min" rather than "men."

Pronunciation of "chiffonniers" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [ʃifɔnje]

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "chiffonniers" might vary slightly by region in France or other French-speaking areas. In some regions, the final 'r' may be more pronounced or nasalized, depending on local dialect influences.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The ragmen roamed the streets each morning with their carts. (Les chiffonniers parcouraient les rues chaque matin avec leurs chariots.)

2. Ragmen played a crucial role in the local economy by recycling textiles. (Les chiffonniers jouaient un rôle crucial dans l'économie locale en recyclant les textiles.)

3. With keen eyes, the ragmen sorted through piles of discarded clothes. (Avec des yeux perçants, les chiffonniers triaient les tas de vêtements jetés.)

4. In days long past, ragmen were a common sight in bustling cities. (Autrefois, les chiffonniers étaient un spectacle courant dans les villes animées.)

5. The ragmen worked tirelessly to gather and sell second-hand goods. (Les chiffonniers travaillaient sans relâche pour rassembler et vendre des produits d'occasion.)

6. Stories about old ragmen are rich with history and tradition. (Les histoires sur les anciens chiffonniers sont riches d'histoire et de tradition.)

7. Ragmen, often overlooked, were pioneers of early recycling efforts. (Souvent négligés, les chiffonniers étaient des pionniers des premiers efforts de recyclage.)

8. The livelihood of ragmen depended on their ability to find valuable materials. (La subsistance des chiffonniers dépendait de leur capacité à trouver des matériaux de valeur.)

9. Children would sometimes assist ragmen to earn a little extra money. (Les enfants aidaient parfois les chiffonniers pour gagner un peu d'argent supplémentaire.)

10. Today's thrift shops carry on the legacy started by ragmen. (Aujourd'hui, les boutiques de seconde main perpétuent l'héritage commencé par les chiffonniers.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "ragmen" in English

Synonyms: junkman, recycler, salvage collector, waste picker, scrap dealer.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: scavenger, collector, gatherer, picker, antiquarian.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "chiffonniers" in French

Synonyms: récupérateurs, trieurs, ramasseurs, brocanteurs, ferrailleurs.

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: collecte, récupérateur, antiquaire, éboueur, glaneur.

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