grab-bag
UK[ˈɡræb bæɡ]US[ˈɡræb bæɡ]
n
a bag or container filled with various items, from which people take one without knowing what they will get.
n
a miscellaneous collection of things.
Morpheme Breakdown
grab
bag
grab
verb
bag
noun
Etymology
the compound noun "grab-bag" is a transparent americanism from the late 19th century, vividly describing a container from which one seizes an item by chance. the verb "grab," with its germanic roots related to grasping, is used adjectivally to modify "bag," a common germanic noun for a sack or pouch. the term originally referred to a literal bag at social events or fairs but evolved metaphorically to denote any assorted or random collection, perfectly capturing the action and the object in its formation.
Analysis
Structure: grab (verb) + bag (noun)
grab (from middle dutch or middle low german 'grabben', meaning to seize or grasp; a verb used attributively). bag (from old norse 'baggi', meaning a pack or bundle; a noun).
Examples
the fundraiser featured a grab-bag where each ticket guaranteed a surprise gift.
his new book is a grab-bag of essays on various topics from history to science.
we filled a grab-bag with small toys for the children's party game.