The word budget derives from French bougette, “leather bag.” An old phrase in English to open one’s budget, meant “to speak one’s mind.” The word purse is related to French bourse, a word for the stock market. This is part of a complete episode...
A fussbudget is someone who’s “ill-tempered” or “overly critical,” the -budget in this term deriving from an old word for “purse” or “pouch.” Variants include fussy-budget, fuss-a-budget, and fussbucket. This is part of a complete episode...
Do you call that carryall for personal items a purse, a handbag, or a pocketbook? The answer may depend less on your location and more on your age. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Purse, Handbag, or Pocketbook” Hello, you have A...
Does your vocabulary mark you as old or outdated? Certain words really indicate generational gaps, like chronological shibboleths. For example, are thongs panties or flip-flops? And what do women carry around — a pocketbook, a purse, or a bag? Your...
A Dallas man says his grandmother used to carry around washcloth a plastic bag in her purse. When he and his siblings would get their hands dirty, she’d say to them, “Show me your paddywackers,” and they’d hold out their hands to be wiped clean. He...
rehab bag n.— «Even his latest accessory seemed almost too topical: a miniature ankle-strap purse based on a drug rehabilitation monitor. He called it the “rehab bag.”» —“Chanel Clings to Trends; YSL Hugs the Logo” by Cathy Horyn New York Times Oct...