The term “brown-bag” is a phrase that is commonly used in American English. It is a colloquial expression that has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and meanings of brown-bag, its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term brown-bag can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to bring one’s lunch to work or school in a brown paper bag. As a noun, it refers to the brown paper bag used to carry one’s lunch or any other item. As an adjective, it is used to describe a casual or informal event where people bring their food or drinks.
Origin
The origin of brown-bag dates back to the early 20th century when people used to bring their lunch to work or school in brown paper bags. The phrase became popular in the 1960s when it was used to describe a practice of bringing alcoholic beverages to work in brown paper bags to conceal them from the authorities.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, brown-bag means “to bring one’s lunch to work or school in a brown paper bag.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “to bring food or drink from home to work or school, usually in a brown paper bag.” The Oxford dictionary defines it as “to carry one’s lunch in a brown paper bag.”
Associations
The term brown-bag is associated with the idea of frugality, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. It is also associated with the practice of bringing one’s lunch to work or school, which is seen as a way of saving money and eating healthier food.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of brown-bag include bring your own, pack your own, and carry your own.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of brown-bag include eating out, ordering in, and dining at a restaurant.
The same root words
There are no root words for brown-bag as it is a compound word made up of the words “brown” and “bag.”
Example Sentences
- I always brown-bag my lunch to work to save money.
- She forgot to brown-bag her lunch, so she had to buy food from the cafeteria.
- We had a brown-bag lunch meeting to discuss the new project.