In America a purse is a small bag and can also be called a handbag. In England, a purse is a small container to keep money in, and is predominantly used by women. Men nearly always use a wallet which serves the same purpose as a purse used by women. Purses are generally kept in handbags although technically in America they are the same thing. So in England you will have money in a purse kept in a handbag, in America you will have money in a purse, kept in a purse.

A well known bag, called the Birkin Bag apparently got the name in the following way. An actress and singer called Jane Birkin spilled the contents of her handbag, whilst on an airplane. Lucky for her, the person sitting next to her was the President of Hermes, and during the course of the flight she bemoaned her purse and how it should designed and the Birkin Bag was born. Now any purse would be delighted to reside in a Birkin Bag.

Women generally carry a handbag purse, however some men also carry bags and these are sometimes called a man-purse. Handbags and purses come in different sizes for different reasons. A coin purse is only large enough to carry money and perhaps a credit card or two. A wallet for men is made to carry only coins, bills and credit or debit cards. A pocketbook is similar to a purse or wallet; however it can also carry sheets of paper.

The clutch purse is small enough to be clutched in the hand, but large enough to hold money, cards and one or two personal items that women insist on carrying around. Sometimes a clutch purse can have one handle or strap to sling over the shoulder, thus making it more convenient to carry around, but not large enough to be inconvenient.

A larger purse or handbag with 2 handles can be called a tote and this bag allows you to carry a lot more than say a clutch. Most women on a day to day basis carry with them a number of items they deem necessary. A Pashmini if the day turns cold, a comfortable pair of shoes if they are going to have to walk anywhere far, and a book or magazine to occupy their thoughts if they are going to be kept waiting for anyone.

Some women have more than one purse, in fact, they probably have a different handbag purse for every occasion and outfit, and some women will have only one or two handbags, but all women will have a purse. So whether it is called a bag, handbag, moneybag, pocketbook, pouch, clutch, tote, wallet, everyone at some stage in their lives will own a purse.