grab bag etymology

Etymology:

The term "grab bag" originated in the 18th century. It comes from the French phrase "grappe à bec," which means "hook with a beak."

Meaning:

A grab bag is a miscellaneous collection of items, typically put together as a prize in a game or competition. It can also refer to a group of people or things that are diverse in character or quality.

Origin:

The term first appeared in English in the mid-1800s. It is thought to have come from the practice of using a hooked stick to retrieve objects from a large bag or box.

In the 18th century, it was common for fairs and carnivals to have games where people paid to reach into a bag and grab the first item they touched. The prize could be anything from a toy to a piece of candy. These bags were usually filled with a variety of items, hence the term "grab bag."

Over time, the term came to be used more generally for any collection of miscellaneous items.

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