baggie
C1informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A small, sealable plastic bag, often used for storing food or small items.
Also refers to a similarly shaped style of loose-fitting trousers, typically with an elasticated waist and gathered ankles, or to a size of playing marble.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the plastic bag. The 'baggie' trouser is a British English fashion term. The 'baggie' marble is a North American children's term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the plastic bag sense is less common; 'sandwich bag' or 'resealable bag' is preferred. 'Baggie' is the predominant American term for the small plastic bag. 'Baggies' as trousers is a specific UK fashion term.
Connotations
In AmE: often associated with kitchen storage or illicit drug packaging. In BrE (trousers): connotes 1980s/90s casual sportswear or surfer style.
Frequency
High frequency in American English for the bag. Low frequency in British English except for the specific trouser sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
put X in a baggiestore X in a baggieseal a baggiea baggie of XVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms; term is literal]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in packaging or retail supply contexts.
Academic
Very rare; not a technical term.
Everyday
Common in AmE domestic contexts for food storage.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [verb form not standard]
American English
- [verb form not standard]
adverb
British English
- [adverb form not standard]
American English
- [adverb form not standard]
adjective
British English
- [adjective form not standard; use 'baggy']
American English
- [adjective form not standard; use 'baggy']
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She put the cookies in a baggie.
- I need a small baggie for my sandwich.
- Can you pass me a baggie for these leftover nuts?
- He stored the seeds in a resealable baggie.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bag' + the diminutive '-ie' (like 'doggy') = a little bag.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINMENT IS SECURITY (sealing something in a baggie protects it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пакет' (which is usually a larger shopping bag).
- The closest equivalent is 'пакетик с застежкой' or 'зиплок' (a borrowed brand name).
- The trouser sense has no direct Russian equivalent; describe as 'широкие спортивные штаны'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'baggy' (which is an adjective meaning loose).
- Using 'baggie' in formal writing.
- Overusing the term in BrE where 'sandwich bag' is clearer.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'baggie' most commonly used to mean a small plastic storage bag?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Baggie' is a noun for a small bag. 'Baggy' is an adjective meaning loose-fitting (e.g., baggy trousers).
A 'Ziploc' is a brand name for a specific type of resealable baggie. In American English, 'Ziploc' is often used generically, similar to 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaner.
No, it's an informal, colloquial term. Use 'resealable plastic bag', 'sandwich bag', or 'plastic pouch' instead.
They might, especially from American media, but they are more likely to say 'sandwich bag' or 'freezer bag'. They will primarily associate 'baggies' with a style of trousers.