English Reference
adjective · noun

baggy

adj. · n.
US /ˈbæɡi/ UK /bˈæɡi/ bag·gy

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.describes clothes that are very large and loose, so they do not fit tightly against your body.

    adj.denoting clothing that is loose-fitting and hangs away from the body, often by design or due to being oversized.

    Simple

    He likes wearing baggy jeans and a large t-shirt when he relaxes at home.

    In context

    The fashion trend shifted from slim-fit trousers to baggy silhouettes that prioritised comfort and a relaxed aesthetic.

    tightfittedskin tight
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Literary

    adj.describes a story or piece of writing that is too long and has unnecessary parts.

    adj.figuratively describing a narrative or piece of writing that lacks concision or structural tightness.

    Simple

    The editor said the middle of the book was a bit baggy and needed cutting.

    In context

    Critics argued that the novel's second act was structurally baggy, containing several subplots that failed to advance the primary theme.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a small plastic bag, often used for sandwiches or small items.

    n.a small, typically transparent plastic bag used for storage.

    Simple

    She put the leftover grapes into a small baggy for her lunch.

    In context

    The technician placed the evidence into a sealed baggy to prevent any potential contamination before transport to the laboratory.

    pouchsachet
  4. 04 C1 Advanced British English Music

    adj.related to a style of British dance and rock music from the late 1980s.

    adj.relating to a British music genre and subculture of the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterised by a mix of psychedelic rock and dance beats.

    Simple

    The band was famous during the baggy era of the early nineties.

    In context

    The documentary explores how the baggy scene bridged the gap between traditional indie rock and the emerging rave culture in Manchester.

    madchester

Etymology 1

From bag + -y (adjectival suffix).

Etymology 2

Presumably a back-formation from baggies (the plural), presumably a genericization of the brand name Baggies. Also analyzable as bag + -y (diminutive suffix).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated