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
1
(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.".
