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Match Match any word Match all words Match phrase. Forum Options Posts only Topic titles only Posts and topic titles. The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access. Purse, handbag or pocketbook? Administrators: Martha Barnette Grant Barrett.
A pocket-book does not refer to a woman's purse only. Dickens in his book Great Expectations referred to men using pocketbooks as well. He also referred to men using pocket-books in A Tale of Two Cities. Not only is the use of pocket-books by men recorded in fiction only, but also historical accounts, in which a story was told about the author Jules Verne searching his pocketbook.
Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Why is a woman's purse called a "pocketbook"? Ask Question. Asked 10 years, 10 months ago. Active 6 years, 5 months ago. Viewed k times. Improve this question. In the UK, not only would she not have a pocketbook, but her purse , if she had one, would be a small container for money and maybe cards, but little else, that went into her handbag — Colin Fine.
Well, it might be weird if he's the only one who does it, but it's pretty natural for many people to say it at least in Southern AmE. Even to the extent that it is often pronounced 'pocky-book' — Mitch. A pocket book isn't a woman's purse only. Perhaps his statement is delivered jokingly? Similar to his wife calling the wallet he keeps in his pocket, a purse. She may say something like — "Get your purse honey, we're going shopping! Muse Why do some people call a billfold a wallet , eh?
Show 1 more comment. Active Oldest Votes. Her etymology of pocketbook mirrors answers given here already: Pocketbook was originally just that: a small book that could be carried in the pocket.
After a discussion of the distribution of wallet and billfold , she addresses purse , pocketbook , and handbag : Purse , pocketbook , and handbag are all standard terms reported from all parts of the country. Improve this answer. This versatile handbag has adjustable straps so that you can use it as a regular handbag, a shoulder bag, or a crossbody bag.
It also features a magnetic flap front closure for easy closing and opening. The price depends on the color and design. If your style tends to have a mix of the classic, casual and even sporty, this Tommy Hilfiger handbag will be right up your alley! It is made of PVC leather which offers durability and water resistance, a textile lining inside, and a zipper closure. It has ample storage where you can put all the things you need to take.
The design makes this bag suitable for various occasions and can go along with any preferred clothing style. This small-scale Michael Kors handbag is surprisingly roomy — it has a lot of compartments to fill in your essential female items, and then some! This lovely leather bag features a central slip zipper pocket for extra storage and security. Handbag is also used to describe a very similar bag but with more functionality.
While purse and handbags are very similar, most people agree that handbags are roomier than purses. Handbags have enough space to bring everything you may need during the day: makeup, phone, wallet, water bottles. While purses are much smaller and useful for only essential items. Although there is no definitive answer to the question, we all agree that is all about personal preference.
Just keep in mind that "handbag" is more accepted than purse in the fashion community while "purse" would probably picture an outdated and small bag.
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