Dealer vs. Pusher — What's the Difference?
A dealer typically refers to someone who trades in specific goods, legally or illegally, while a pusher is specifically involved in the illegal sale of drugs, often actively encouraging its use.
Difference Between Dealer and Pusher
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A dealer engages in the buying and selling of goods, which can range from cars to illegal substances, depending on context. While a pusher is narrowly defined within the realm of illegal drug trade, focusing more on the distribution aspect and often on promoting drug use among consumers.
Dealers operate in a broader spectrum of industries, including legitimate business sectors, where legality and regulation play significant roles. In contrast, pushers work exclusively in the shadows of the illegal drug market, where the focus is on stealth and evasion of law enforcement.
The term "dealer" carries a level of ambiguity; it can refer to a reputable merchant or an illicit drug seller, based on the substances or goods being dealt. On the other hand, "pusher" unequivocally points to involvement in illegal activities, specifically relating to narcotics.
Dealers may or may not be deeply involved in the direct promotion of their products, especially in legal trades. Conversely, pushers are often characterized by their aggressive tactics to expand their customer base.
In the context of legal businesses, dealers contribute to the economy, providing goods, services, and employment. Whereas pushers, by nature, contribute to the social and health issues plaguing society, given the illicit nature of their trade.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person or entity involved in the trading of goods or services, legal or illegal.
Specifically refers to someone who sells illegal drugs.
Legality
Can operate legally or illegally, depending on the goods involved.
Always operates illegally.
Scope of Activity
Broad, can include legal products like vehicles, art, etc.
Narrow, focused solely on illegal drugs.
Societal Perception
Varies widely from positive in legal contexts to negative in illegal trades.
Predominantly negative due to the nature of the trade.
Interaction with Consumers
May or may not promote the use of their products actively.
Often promotes and pushes the use of drugs to consumers.
Compare with Definitions
Dealer
A dealer is an individual or business involved in buying and selling products or services.
The car dealer offered a range of vehicles from sedans to SUVs.
Pusher
Their activities are focused on the distribution of illegal substances.
The pusher was known for distributing a dangerous new synthetic drug.
Dealer
Legitimate dealers contribute positively to the economy.
The local produce dealer supported small farms by buying and selling their goods.
Pusher
Pushers contribute to societal and health issues.
Community leaders are concerned about the pusher’s influence on local youth.
Dealer
In legal trades, dealers often focus on customer service and satisfaction.
The electronics dealer provided excellent after-sales support for his products.
Pusher
Pushers operate solely within the illegal drug market.
Despite the risks, the pusher continued his trade in secret locations.
Dealer
Dealers can operate in both legal and illegal markets.
The art dealer was renowned for his extensive collection of contemporary pieces.
Pusher
A pusher is someone who illegally sells drugs, often pushing their use on potential customers.
The police arrested a pusher in the neighborhood for selling narcotics.
Dealer
Their activities can span across various industries.
The antique dealer specialized in 18th-century furniture.
Pusher
Pushers may aggressively promote drug use to expand their clientele.
The pusher tried to entice college students into trying drugs.
Dealer
A person who buys and sells goods
A dealer in foreign stamps
Pusher
A person who sells illegal drugs
An underworld of thugs, drug pushers, and thieves
Dealer
The player who distributes the cards at the start of a game.
Pusher
A person or thing that pushes something
The checkout trolley pushers
Dealer
One that is engaged in buying and selling
A used-car dealer.
A drug dealer.
Pusher
One that pushes
A pusher of boundaries.
Dealer
The person who distributes the cards in a game of cards.
Pusher
(Slang) One who sells drugs illegally.
Dealer
In a game of cards, especially poker, the position from which cards are dealt clockwise around the table, usually marked by the button.
Pusher
Someone or something that pushes.
Dealer
A croupier.
Pusher
A person employed to push passengers onto trains at busy times, so they can depart on schedule.
Dealer
One who deals in goods, especially automobiles; a middleman.
That used car dealer gave me a great deal on my 1962 rusted-out Volkswagen bug!
Pusher
(military slang) A girl or woman.
Dealer
A drug dealer, one who peddles illicit drugs.
Pusher
(colloquial) A drug dealer.
Dealer
A particular type of stock broker or trader.
Pusher
(aeronautics) An aircraft with the propeller behind the fuselage.
Dealer
The person who deals the cards in a card game.
Pusher
A device that one pushes in order to transport a baby while on foot, such as a stroller or pram (as opposed to a carrier such as a front or back pack).
Dealer
One who deals or metes out anything.
Pusher
(tennis) A defensive player who does not attempt to hit winners, instead playing slower shots into the opponent's court.
Dealer
One who deals; one who has to do, or has concern, with others; esp., a trader, a trafficker, a shopkeeper, a broker, or a merchant; as, a dealer in dry goods; a dealer in stocks; a retail dealer.
Pusher
A tolkach.
Dealer
One who distributes cards to the players.
Pusher
(rail) banker
Dealer
Someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
Pusher
A device in a coke oven for levelling the coal, traditionally operated by a pusherman.
Dealer
A firm engaged in trading
Pusher
One who, or that which, pushes.
Dealer
A seller of illicit goods;
A dealer in stolen goods
Pusher
One who sells illegal drugs, esp. one who tries to convince others to use such drugs.
Dealer
The major party to a financial transaction at a stock exchange; buys and sells for his own account
Pusher
A second engine attached to the rear of a train to provide extra power for climbing steep grades.
Dealer
The person who distributes the playing cards in a card game
Pusher
One who intrudes or pushes himself forward
Pusher
An unlicensed dealer in illegal drugs
Pusher
Someone who pushes
Pusher
A sandal attached to the foot by a thong over the toes
Pusher
A small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
Common Curiosities
What is a dealer?
A dealer is a person or business that buys and sells goods or services, which can be in a legal or illegal market.
Are pushers involved in legal trades?
No, pushers are exclusively involved in the illegal drug trade.
How do dealers and pushers differ in societal impact?
Dealers, especially in legal markets, can positively impact the economy, whereas pushers contribute to social and health problems.
Can a dealer operate legally?
Yes, dealers can operate legally, selling a wide range of products from cars to real estate, depending on their area of business.
Can the activities of dealers be regulated?
Yes, the activities of dealers in legal markets are subject to government regulations and oversight.
What is a pusher?
A pusher is someone who illegally sells drugs, often actively encouraging their use among consumers.
Do all dealers promote the use of their products?
In legal trades, dealers often promote their products within ethical guidelines, while in illegal markets, the promotion might involve deceitful practices.
Can someone be both a dealer and a pusher?
While technically possible, the term "dealer" covers a broad range of activities, so using both terms would depend on the context of the goods being sold.
How do communities fight the influence of pushers?
Communities may use education, outreach programs, and collaboration with law enforcement to reduce the influence of pushers.
Do dealers always sell illegal goods?
No, dealers do not always sell illegal goods; many operate within completely legal and regulated markets.
Is the term "pusher" used outside the context of illegal drugs?
The term "pusher" is primarily used to describe individuals involved in the illegal drug trade and is rarely, if ever, used in a legal context.
Why are pushers considered harmful to society?
Pushers are considered harmful due to their role in distributing illegal drugs, which can lead to addiction, crime, and health issues.
What impact do dealers have on the economy?
Legitimate dealers contribute to the economy by providing goods, services, and employment, fostering economic growth.
How do law enforcement agencies deal with pushers?
Law enforcement agencies actively work to apprehend pushers and dismantle drug distribution networks.
What are the risks of being a pusher?
Pushers face legal risks, including arrest and imprisonment, and personal safety risks from both law enforcement and competitors.
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