handbag

Meaning

Noun

1. (archaic, countable, uncountable) A small bag carried in the hand, used either when travelling or to carry tools for a specific job.
2. (Commonwealth, countable, uncountable) A small bag used chiefly by women for carrying various small personal items, sometimes considered as a fashion accessory.
3. (abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis, uncountable) Ellipsis of handbag house.

Verb

To attack verbally or subject to criticism (typically used of a woman).

Synonyms

purse

👛

bag

pouch

👝

briefcase

💼

pocketbook

wallet

sack

case

satchel

shopping bag

clutch

reticule

suitcase

till

small bag

minaudière

valise

hanger-on

pochette

traveling bag

sewing bag

carrying bag

fancy-bag

pocket-book

pocket

cabas

woven bag

Translations

sac à main

👜

borsetta

👜

Handtasche

👜

borsa

Tasche

bolso

👛

Geldbeutel

handtas

👜

Geldbörse

bolsa

👛

Portemonnaie

handtasje

reticule

tasje

bossa de mà

👜

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhændˌbæɡ/

Etymology

From hand + bag. The music genre is named from women dancing around a pile of their handbags in nightclubs. The verb is a reference to Margaret Thatcher's handbag.