I admit, I’m fascinated and delighted by unusual collective nouns. You know, like a creep of tortoises or a murder of crows. I particularly like those that are descriptive and relevant to the group’s behavior or appearance.
On a recent flight, it was announced while group 6 was boarding that there was no more overhead storage area and everyone remaining would need to gate check their carry-on bags. The smaller personal items could be put beneath the seats, but the wheelies had to be checked. Being in group 7 for boarding, I was met with this sight—a large group of bags clustered by the plane’s door.
The Search for the Perfect Term
My mind immediately moved to what would be the collective noun for such a group of suitcases. I searched, but the only terms I came up with were luggage and baggage. Maybe this is a baggage of luggage?
That seems dull, so I’ve decided to select my own collective noun. Let me know if you particularly like one of these possibilities:
- Mingle – I liked the thought of the suitcases mingling, getting to know each other on this journey. As a Midwesterner, I frequently chat with strangers around me in line. That habit drove my New York friend up the proverbial wall.
- Jumble – This collection could certainly be described as a jumble.
- Hodgepodge – (Do young people know this term?) This means a disorderly or random assortment of different things.
- Assemblage, Accumulation, Collection, Assembly, Acquisition, Stockpiling – These would all work, but they’re not distinctive enough.
- Cargo – Since this is where the bags are going.
- Burden – With many passengers using these rolling suitcases, handling them has become a burden. I think the photo could describe a burden.
- Entitlement – Watching people fight for overhead space, there’s often entitlement exhibited.
- Claim – This would be indicative of what we do with our suitcases.
- Encumbrance – This one might be a stretch, but it does mean “a burden, obstacle, or hindrance that slows progress or makes movement difficult.” This group of bags was definitely an encumbrance!
- Excess – So many passengers seem to prefer to try to carry their luggage instead of checking it these days. Sometimes there is plenty of room for all wheeled bags, but if not, they are checked for free. Again, this group could be considered an excess.
- Consignment – This term is currently used for a collection of luggage being shipped together.
- Heap – Refers to a large, disorganized pile of luggage piled on top of each other. This group was not piled; they were all situated on the floor.
- Sea – This term suggests a vast, endless collection of bags. With my affinity for the ocean, I could definitely equate the bag collection with a sea.
Cast Your Vote
So, what do you think? What should be the collective noun for a group of carry-on bags? I’m leaning towards Mingle or Sea.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! While you are casting your vote, feel free to explore my downloadable children’s workbooks to find more fun animal activities and real collective nouns from the Sonoran Desert to the Caribbean.