Carrier bag
What it really means
The British name for a shopping bag. Shops must charge for single-use bags (about 20–30p), so Brits keep "bags for life" — stronger reusable bags — in their coats, cars and kitchens. Bring one when you shop.
Context, tips & common mistakes
The carrier bag charge changed national behaviour: single-use bags cost money by law across the UK, so Brits carry their own — a folded tote in every coat pocket and a 'bag for life' stash by the front door (sturdier bags shops replace free when they wear out, in theory). The till question "do you need a bag?" expects "no thanks, I've brought one" as often as not.
At self-checkout the choreography inverts: tell the machine how many bags you are buying, or place your own bag in the bagging area when prompted — mishandling this summons the 'unexpected item' error and a staff member, the full newcomer initiation. Forgetting your bags at home occasionally and buying another bag-for-life is also authentically British; every household owns forty.