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The article discusses tinkers, or itinerant tinsmiths, and gypsies more broadly in England, particularly focusing on their language. It comments on languages from which their words derive, including English cant, Gaelic, Scots, and Romany. The author reflects on the question of these peoples' descent and racial makeup. She also notes the assimilation of these itinerant communities into mainstream British society. Tinker words considered include "chova," or "shop," "cassam," or "cheese," and "quacker," or "duck."