handba'
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A bag carried by a woman, usually handheld, for carrying personal items.
Can also refer to a woman's purse more generally; in UK political slang, used as a verb meaning to publicly criticize or humiliate a colleague.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with women's fashion accessories. The political verb usage ('to handbag') is informal and UK-specific.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'handbag' is the common term. In American English, 'purse' is more common, with 'handbag' being a more formal or specific term for a larger bag.
Connotations
UK: Everyday item. US: Can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned compared to 'purse'.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English; medium frequency in US English, where 'purse' predominates.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] carries a handbag.[Subject] left her handbag [Location].[Subject] was handbagged by [Agent] (UK political).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To handbag someone (UK): To subject someone to a forceful verbal attack, especially by a powerful woman.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In retail/fashion: 'The new line of designer handbags.'
Academic
Rare, except in cultural/fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Very common: 'I can't find my keys; they must be in my handbag.'
Technical
In leatherworking or design.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister handbagged her challenger during the press conference.
- He feared being handbagged by the party chairwoman.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective)
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She bought a new handbag.
- My handbag is very heavy.
- She opened her handbag to find her phone.
- I left my handbag on the bus by mistake.
- The theft of her designer handbag was reported to the police.
- Her speech was a masterclass in handbagging her opponents.
- The brand's iconic handbag has become a status symbol.
- The minister was brutally handbagged by the veteran MP for his naive proposal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HAND + BAG: A bag you hold in your HAND.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HANDbag is a CONTAINER for personal life/essentials.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'рюкзак' (backpack). The closer equivalent is 'сумка' (bag), specifically 'дамская сумка' (women's bag). 'Purse' in American English is not a кошелек (wallet) but a сумка.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'handbag' for a man's bag (incorrect). Confusing UK 'handbag' with US 'purse' in translation. Using the verb 'to handbag' outside a UK political context.
Practice
Quiz
What does the UK political verb 'to handbag' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'handbag' is specific to women's bags. Men's similar items are called 'messenger bags', 'briefcases', or 'men's bags'.
In American English, 'purse' is the general, common term. 'Handbag' often refers to a larger, more structured bag, and can sound slightly more formal.
It originated in 1980s UK politics, associated with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was known for her forceful style, metaphorically compared to striking opponents with her handbag.
Yes, the plural is 'handbags'. Example: 'The shop sells many different handbags.'