Tout

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In British English, a tout is any person who solicits business or employment in an importune manner (generally equivalent to a solicitor in American English). In the most common usage, a ticket tout is someone who engages in ticket resale (though a ticket reseller is known colloquially as a scalper rather than a solicitor in U.S. parlance). Another example would be a person who frequents heavily touristed areas and presents himself as a tour guide (particularly towards those who do not speak the local language). Another would be someone who, acting upon his own initiative, loads or unloads the baggage from a bus, then demands payment for his services from the passengers. Some touts operate in holiday areas on behalf of local bars, restaurant or hotels, being paid to direct tourists towards certain establishments.

Another use for the term is when used to refer to an informer or spy. This use is particularly common in Northern Ireland, particularly in Belfast.