Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US) a beggar or tramp, esp. one who pretends to have some sort of injury or throws fake ‘fits’.

1933		Ersine Und. and Prison Sl.
1935		N. Algren Somebody in Boots 296: There was Anthony Brown, known as a ‘dinger’; he twisted his right arm out of shape every morning, and returned, his arm back in position and his pockets jingling.
1950		Goldin et al. DAUL 58/2: Dinger. [...] 4. A panhandler, or a thief’s aid who pretends to beg.
1950		Asheville Citizen Times (NC) 20 Nov. 8/3: Choice mooching spots for [...] ‘plingies’ (professional panhandlers) and ‘dingies’ (plain bums).
1960, 1975		Wentworth & Flexner DAS.

2. a fit.

1933

Ersine Und. and Prison Sl.