“Handbags”

Definition

An old sexist term describing a scuffle that is all shoving, shirt-pulling and finger-pointing, with plenty of noise and nobody actually throwing a punch. Teammates pile in mainly to be seen holding someone back. Often seen at the start of derby games.

Origin

From the old British phrase “handbags at dawn,” a mocking twist on pistols at dawn. The joke is that the whole confrontation is posturing dressed up as a duel.

Used in a sentence

“Twelve players in a huddle, shoulders flying everywhere, two yellow cards and not a scratch on anyone. Pure handbags.”