Semi-humorous, colloquial term for a range of shoulder-carried bags used by men, implying a resemblance to woman's purse or handbag. Typically used in derogatory fashion, casting aspersions on the wearer's sexuality or masculinity.
The expression may refer to either of two types of luggage:
1) The more proper use of the term, referring to any number of large wallets or small shoulder bags, distinguishable from a woman's bag only by subtleties such as rectangular shape or plain decoration. A cultural equivalent to the fanny pack craze of a generation ago, these are likewise gaining in popularity despite their perceived tackiness. (Whether this is due to their relative practicality, European style, or to the influence of metrosexual culture, is open to debate.)
2) Larger, more masculine carry-alls such as the satchel, shoulder bag, or messenger bag, worn as an alternative to the backpack. Less scornfully viewed than those under the first definition, these have been lately popularized by such fictional characters as Jack Bauer, Indiana Jones, or Chewbacca, and are actively displacing hard-sided briefcases in some quarters. Use of the term in this context is less justified, and indicative of both bitterness and extreme homophobia.
The expression may refer to either of two types of luggage:
1) The more proper use of the term, referring to any number of large wallets or small shoulder bags, distinguishable from a woman's bag only by subtleties such as rectangular shape or plain decoration. A cultural equivalent to the fanny pack craze of a generation ago, these are likewise gaining in popularity despite their perceived tackiness. (Whether this is due to their relative practicality, European style, or to the influence of metrosexual culture, is open to debate.)
2) Larger, more masculine carry-alls such as the satchel, shoulder bag, or messenger bag, worn as an alternative to the backpack. Less scornfully viewed than those under the first definition, these have been lately popularized by such fictional characters as Jack Bauer, Indiana Jones, or Chewbacca, and are actively displacing hard-sided briefcases in some quarters. Use of the term in this context is less justified, and indicative of both bitterness and extreme homophobia.
by The Urban Husky July 04, 2010
by that guy in the yellow shirt February 20, 2014
1)another name for your ball sack and dick
The balls are the "purse" part that carries all your important items and the dick is like the "strap" and without it everything wud be pointless
The balls are the "purse" part that carries all your important items and the dick is like the "strap" and without it everything wud be pointless
by ohhhyaaa June 07, 2009
A rather large, usually canvas, bag aka purse, made especially for men.
Cuz hey, guys need something to carry their shit around in too.
Cuz hey, guys need something to carry their shit around in too.
by oblivion July 29, 2004
Phil: Really? Are you going to wear the man purse?
Alan: It's not a purse, its a satchel. Indiana Jones has one.
Alan: It's not a purse, its a satchel. Indiana Jones has one.
by pwawers February 08, 2010
A carrying case for men, yet similar to a large purse for women rather than a briefcase. Very VERY metrosexual (and European). It's the metro way to carry a lot of stuff around.
by andy .... March 11, 2006
A small item of everyday personal luggage, similar in size to a woman's purse except intended for use by a man, smaller than a briefcase or attache, carried by hand or by a shoulder strap (not belted nor belt-looped), and typically distinguishable from a woman's purse by having a tall, narrow, rectangular form-factor, rather than the short and wide shapes more typical of most women's purses.
"Let me gift-wrap this man-purse for you to present to that special gentleman, ma'am, since obviously a respectable woman like yourself wouldn't purchase such a masculine item for herself." (-paraphrased actual remark of a female shopkeeper in Amsterdam to an American shopper buying a tall, narrow purse)
by Monseignore Laszlo September 04, 2006