interjection

handbags

Handbags (interjection) means (British, informal, humorous) Said when a heated argument or petty squabble is more show than substance; roughly "calm down.". Example: “Handbags!" someone shouted as the two players squared up without throwing a punch.”

interjection

(British, informal, humorous) Said when a heated argument or petty squabble is more show than substance; roughly "calm down."

""Handbags!" someone shouted as the two players squared up without throwing a punch."

How to use handbags

Learner’s notes

When to use it

Very informal British slang, mostly used about minor scuffles in sport.

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"_____!" someone shouted as the two players squared up without throwing a punch.

Etymology

From the phrase "handbags at dawn," a joking reference to a fight that's all bluster and no real violence, likened to two people swinging handbags rather than fists.

Frequently asked questions

What does “handbags” mean?

The word “handbags” means (British, informal, humorous) Said when a heated argument or petty squabble is more show than substance; roughly "calm down.".

How do you use “handbags” in a sentence?

Here is “handbags” used in a sentence: “"Handbags!" someone shouted as the two players squared up without throwing a punch.”

What part of speech is “handbags”?

“Handbags” is an interjection.

What is the meaning of handbags?

"handbags" (interjection) means (British, informal, humorous) Said when a heated argument or petty squabble is more show than substance; roughly "calm down.".