What does "handbag" mean?

1. (personal bag) a small bag used for carrying personal things like money, keys, and a phone. 2. (to criticize) to attack someone with words or criticize them strongly.

handbag — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01personal bag

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a small bag used for carrying personal things like money, keys, and a phone.

n. a small bag used primarily by women for carrying personal items and accessories.

“She realized she had left her handbag on the bus and ran back to find it.”

“The designer's latest collection features a minimalist leather handbag with a detachable shoulder strap for versatile daily use.”

Teaching tip

In American English, 'purse' is more common for this item, while 'handbag' often sounds slightly more formal or high-fashion.

Synonyms

purse clutch pocketbook

02to criticize

C2 · Proficiency British English · Humorous · Informal

v. to attack someone with words or criticize them strongly.

v. to subject a person to a verbal attack or forceful criticism; often used in political contexts.

“The minister was handbagged by the opposition during the debate.”

“The term originated from Margaret Thatcher's assertive leadership style, where she was said to 'handbag' any cabinet member who disagreed with her policies.”

Usage

This verb is transitive and usually appears in the passive voice.

Teaching tip

This is a very specific Britishism. It is almost exclusively used to describe a woman in power being very firm or aggressive with her colleagues.

Synonyms

criticizeberatescold

Antonyms

praise support

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.

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