Fashion

[Sister Golden Hair]

My Mother called them ""pocketbooks"".

In the 70's they were called ""purses""

Now they are called ""handbags"".

I still say ""purse"" and ""billfold"".

I was shopping in JC Penneys and ask the young woman where the billfolds were located. She didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Neither did the other clerk that was working. They were both in their early 20's.

So most of the time I will refer it as my ""handbag"". Just in case someone hasn't heard the term ""purse"".

[moonstone dunes]

grew up in Long Island = pocketbook. When I go home and we're in a store like TJs. I will hear ""Lets look at the pocketbooks! "" New England - we still call them pocketbooks. Sometimes I will say ""purse""...seems odd. A bag is a brown paper container.

[bonnielu]

Never thought I would get all these wonderful responses. Remembering after so many reminders that my mother was from New England so she used the word, POCKETBOOK. Growing up in Maryland I first used pocketbook, later purse. Now I am calling it a BAG.

[kristan]

Purses.

[3star]

My grandmother always said pocketbook, my mother calls them purses, I say handbag or bag.

[terrier3]

I read a LOT of fashion mags...they are always called ""bags.""

[Lakegirl]

My daughters and I call them purses or bags. We are in the Chicago suburbs. When I hear pocketbook, I think of an old-fashioned word for wallet.

[LTT1]

Here goes: totes; hobos; bags; shoulder bags; purses; carry-on; barrel bags; bucket bags

I always refer to whatever I'm carrying as ""my purse.""

[ID2]

I've never heard them called anything but purses. My grandma was the only one that called them pocketbooks.

A billfold is a wallet.

[goodstuff]

I hear all those names here in the south. Purse, handbag, pocketbook, bag.......all are used. I think of the names "purse" and "pocketbook" being a bit more old-fashioned, but they're still used.