Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

handbagging

noun

/ˈhændˌbæɡ.ɪŋ/

Definition

Handbagging refers to the act of hitting someone with a handbag, often used metaphorically in contexts to describe a disproportionate response or a non-serious attack, particularly in political discourse.

Examples

The politician’s handbagging of her opponent during the debate drew criticism from several analysts.
In her article, she warned against handbagging those with differing views.
He found the handbagging policy to be a poor strategy for addressing the real issues at hand.

Meaning

The term ‘handbagging’ is commonly used to imply that someone is being criticized or attacked in a way that feels trivial or exaggerated, especially by someone in a position of authority.