topic Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags? in Fashion

Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

bonnielu — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:26:29 GMT

Whenever I write a post about bags (carried on shoulder or on my arm) I hesitate and wonder what to call them. I am wondering if it is regional or age specific. Just curious. I am from Maryland... west of central (we fight about it all the time in our area)

I wear vests mostly or have lots of pockets. I prefer not to carry them at all. I end up forgetting where I put mine and I really don't have much of a collection anyway.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

terrier3 — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:28:40 GMT

In NY, they are just called "bags."

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Krimpette — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:31:28 GMT

I hear all three here in the metro-DC area.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

EdithEllenLily — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:38:03 GMT

I know a very elegant, wise older lady from Long Island who calls them "pocketbooks".

I think perhaps the current preferred fashion way is "handbags".

However, regionally (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois), I hear "purses" much more, and I mostly refer to them as "purses".

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

BeckiWV — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:38:17 GMT

I'm in WV.

When I was growing up, I said "pocketbook", which is what my mom and grandmother always said. When I got a little older, my friends and I all said "purse".

For the several years, I have started saying "bag".

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

05gage25 — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:38:37 GMT

Usually purse or bag here (Ohio valley area) .....growing up, it was pocketbook from my mom and grandmothers generations.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

twingals04 — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:38:44 GMT

In my area of TN, everyone says "purse."

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

sunshine45 — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:41:23 GMT

maryland area and i say pocketbook or purse.......i use the term handbag on these forums. a ""bag"" is something i get at the grocery store when i am checking out.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

SoX — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:44:55 GMT

Actually, I've referred to them all at some point in my life. Currently, it's either purse or handbag for me.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

stevieb — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:46:40 GMT

Time for our quarterly discussion on what to call a bag... There is no right or wrong. Generally speaking, the meaning is relatively clear regardless of whether one carries a purse, pocketbook, handbag or bag. I too am in DC area and grew up with pocketbook or purse, then gradated to handbag and now, at the post graduate level carry a bag...

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

insomniac — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:48:22 GMT

In Michigan we carry purses.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Beach Baby 1 — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:54:01 GMT

In the Atlanta area most everyone calls them ""my bag"". When my hubby wants me to carry something he asks if I will put it in my purse!!

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

millieshops — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:57:13 GMT

A rose by any other name......would smell as sweet.

And a (purse, handbag, bag, pocketbook) by any other name......would still more than likely be filled with too much junk.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Hooty — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:04:30 GMT

Back in the day they were "pocket books", but I usually say "purse or bag" - I'm from the South!

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Jova — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:07:19 GMT

Here in QVC territory/PA, I grew up using the term pocketbook. But now I use the terms handbag or purse.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Cranberries — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:26:38 GMT

I usually call it a purse, seems most around here do too.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

dmqshopper — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:31:33 GMT

I used all of the names, but now I trend toward handbag. From Ct

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

colliegirls — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:31:40 GMT

I call them a purse.

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

GloriBee — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:44:49 GMT

I think it is pretty safe to just call them bags.

Around here (New England), I actually hear all three: pocketbooks, purses and handbags. I sometimes will say pocketbook, but it does sound "old-fashioned" to me.

I think it is regional as well as age-related.

Gloria

Re: Are they called.. pocketbooks, purses, handbags?

Madisson — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:44:54 GMT

You forgot shoulder bags and crossbody bags. I think the word ""purse"" encompasses all of the terms. I call mine my purse.