Interpreting "Shag Bag" Has Multiple Meanings Across Cultures: How To Figure Out Which Is Which

A "shag cotton bag" for sale; there are several ways this could be interpreted. In fact, without much information to go on, you might interpret that a shag bag is any one of the many meanings across different cultures. The following are all ways this could be interpreted and defined, and all of them are real products. 

A Bag Made with Repurposed Shag Carpet

​It might seem like a crazy fashion statement, but there have been much stranger things floating down fashion runways for years. This bag may be made of either 1970's shag carpeting, or 1990's modern shag carpeting. Either way, you are getting a heavy-duty purse/shopping bag you can use for just about anything. 

​A Golf Ball Collection Bag

​In golf, a "shag bag" is a device that helps you scoop up and store golf balls so that you can keep track of all of the balls you own and use. If you tend to lose a lot of golf balls, these bags keep plenty of extra balls close at hand. They are also made to fit easily into your golf club bag without taking up space because the actual shag bag is suspended outside of the golf bag, while a metal "arm" keeps the bag attached to your golf club bag. 

A Very Different Sort of Meaning with the British

​Brits and all of their former and present colonies have quite a different use for the word "shag" -- it is slang for sexual intercourse. It should not surprise you then to learn that a "shag bag" to them usually refers to a condom or a kit made up of items used during sexual encounters. 

A Brand Name

​There is even a company that decided to adopt this word as a brand name for themselves: Shag. Hence, all of the bags and purses they make are known as "Shag bags". If that was not confusing enough in the midst of any conversation, there are still more possible definitions and products that could apply. 

A Style

​Even with all of the previously mentioned possible products and definitions, there is more. "Shag" can also refer to a style of bag noted for its simple design and unique cut. As for yourself, you may want something described in greater words and detail before you take a look at it and decide it is a product in which you are interested in purchasing.