Message #26783

[msgtphil]

What an educational place, though I've heard all the terms at one time or another, I never knew they were different things or how to tell them apart if I ever come across a haversack or rusksack determination situation, I'm now well prepared, all because I bought a scooter.

Rouncheer, when I was younger a paper bag was most often called a 'poke'. A short time after venturing out into the world, a young grocery store cashier was a bit surprised and incapable of rendering a response when I asked if I could have a poke. I knew there were other terms, 'poke' was still dominant, so within a couple of seconds I realized she was having difficulty with 'poke' and asked if I could have a bag. About that time the cashier on the next line, who was standing right behind me busted out laughing. Also being a transplant, approximately ten years older thirtyish, living in California much longer than I and speaking both languages she translated for both of us. It wasn't simply a failure to comprehend my request, the term had a completely different meaning in that region. As I was walking out several store workers had gathered around the translator and she was recounting the episode. Before I reached the door she yelled, "Sugar, you come through my line next time, I'll give you a poke any time." I was half way home before I realized. I believe a paper bag was also called a sack in some regions. Is a tote sack and shopping bag the same thing?