baggage
An emotional burden or mental weight can be referred to as baggage.
When we talk about someone's baggage, we often mean the problems they carry with them from past relationships, experiences, or situations. Think of it like having a heavy suitcase that you can't shake off – every step forward is hard because of its weight. In everyday conversation, people might say "I'm tired of my ex-boyfriend's baggage" or "She has a lot of emotional baggage to deal with." It usually means they're trying to overcome issues or let go of painful memories.
How common is "baggage"?
Word baggage is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
(uncountable) Portable cases, large bags, and similar equipment for manually carrying, pushing, or pulling personal items while traveling
Example: Please put your baggage in the trunk.
Real examples of "baggage" in context
