Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
A type of electronic dance music and a subgenre of house music characterized by upbeat tempo (120 – 130 BPM), singable lyrics, and a simple 4/4 time signature that was popular during the late 80s and early 90s, especially in gay dance clubs. Frequently performed by female vocalists (Whitney Houston, Amber, Kristine W, Deborah Cox) and punctuated with dramatic "break downs" or "dropouts" (where the music builds to a frenetic high, drops off to virtual silence, only to build again), handbag house is also known as "happy house," or "diva house," (and, more derisively, as "plastic disco"). Declined in popularity as harder, less melodic music (aka "tweaker music") became de rigueur. Name pokes fun at deliriously happy dancers waving their handbags—imaginary or not—in the air. Alternatively, it may refer to a group of club-goers dancing around their handbags thrown on the floor.
Text fits
Save
Cancel