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Carpetbag: meaning, definitions and examples

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carpetbag

 

[ ˈkɑːrpɪtbæɡ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical term

A carpetbag is a travel bag made of carpet fabric, originally used in the 19th century by travelers. The term became associated with certain political figures, particularly those who moved to the Southern United States after the Civil War. These individuals, often referred to as 'carpetbaggers', were perceived as opportunists looking to exploit the South's unstable post-war economy. The bags were typically large and were used to carry a variety of personal belongings. Today, the term is often used in a derogatory sense to describe someone who is viewed as an outsider opportunistically taking advantage of a situation.

Synonyms

luggage, travel bag, valise.

Examples of usage

  • The carpetbaggers came with their carpetbags in search of fortune.
  • He carried a worn-out carpetbag full of old clothes.
  • The term 'carpetbagger' is often used to describe a politician who moves into a district to win an election.
  • In the 1860s, many carpetbags were commonly seen in Southern towns.
  • She found an antique carpetbag at the flea market.

Translations

Translations of the word "carpetbag" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mala de viagem

🇮🇳 गाड़ी का सामान

🇩🇪 Reisegepäck

🇮🇩 tas perjalanan

🇺🇦 чемодан

🇵🇱 torba podróżna

🇯🇵 旅行用バッグ

🇫🇷 sac de voyage

🇪🇸 bolso de viaje

🇹🇷 seyahat çantası

🇰🇷 여행 가방

🇸🇦 حقيبة سفر

🇨🇿 cestovní taška

🇸🇰 cestovná taška

🇨🇳 旅行包

🇸🇮 potovalna torba

🇮🇸 ferða poka

🇰🇿 сапар сөмкесі

🇬🇪 მგზავრობის ჩანთა

🇦🇿 səyahət çantası

🇲🇽 bolsa de viaje

Etymology

The word 'carpetbag' traces its origins back to the mid-19th century, deriving from 'carpet' - a textile term for the woven fabric used for floor coverings, and 'bag' - a portable container. The term became particularly prominent during the Reconstruction Era in the United States, following the Civil War (1861-1865). As northern opportunists traveled south to capitalize on the region's chaotic economic environment, they were often seen carrying these distinctive bags made from remnants of carpet. The sight of these individuals and their carpetbags led to the coining of the term 'carpetbagger', which implied that these people were outsiders who were corruptly seeking to take advantage of the South's vulnerability. Over time, the word has evolved in usage, now also representing the broader concept of exploitation and opportunism in unfamiliar settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,286, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.