handbagging
Aggressive verbal assault
Handbagging is aggressive verbal confrontation, especially by a woman in authority.
The term alludes to Margaret Thatcher's combative style as British Prime Minister—the image of her metaphorically beating opponents with her ever-present handbag.
She gave the minister a thorough handbagging in the meeting.
The word remains chiefly British.
Tough female politician nickname
- ToryBritish right-wing partisan
- British politicsHow Britain is governed
- Prime MinisterParliamentary head of state
- Downing StreetBritish premier's official residence
Margaret Thatcher · privatization · conservatism · neoliberalism · deregulation · monetarism · free market · fiscal restraint
Aggressive spoken criticism
- dressing-downSevere verbal rebuke
- tongue-lashingHarsh verbal scolding
- browbeatingIntimidating with stern pressure
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
intimidation · harangue · berating · lambasting · pummeling · battering · domineering · steamrolling
Express sharp disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
condemnation · castigation · chastisement · reprimand · admonishment · sharp words · public humiliation · upbraiding
Decisive final confrontation
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
squabble · row · argument · disagreement · face-off · standoff · put-down · dressing down
Iron Lady
Tough female politician nickname
- ToryBritish right-wing partisan
- British politicsHow Britain is governed
- Prime MinisterParliamentary head of state
Margaret Thatcher · Downing Street · privatization · conservatism · neoliberalism · deregulation · monetarism · free market · fiscal restraint · anti-union
verbal attack
Aggressive spoken criticism
- dressing-downSevere verbal rebuke
- tongue-lashingHarsh verbal scolding
- browbeatingIntimidating with stern pressure
bullying · intimidation · harangue · berating · lambasting · pummeling · battering · domineering · steamrolling · hectoring
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
disapproval · condemnation · castigation · chastisement · reprimand · admonishment · sharp words · public humiliation · upbraiding · excoriation
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
quarrel · squabble · row · argument · disagreement · face-off · standoff · put-down · dressing down · telling-off
handbaggingdiplomacy
Negotiation between nations
conciliation · appeasement · soft touch · deference · accommodation
handbaggingsweet-talking
Persuading through flattery
soft-soaping · charm offensive · cajoling · coaxing · wheedling
handbaggingsoft-pedaling
Understating something deliberately
coaxing · cajoling · sweet-talking · mollification · appeasement
hand, handbag, bagged, bagging, handbags, bagpipe, bagful, bagger, bagman