Luggage and baggage are synonyms. Both words are used to refer to all the bags and suitcases that contain your things when travelling:
- I had so much luggage/baggage with me, I was really glad that you came to the airport to pick me up.
So, how do you decide which one to use?
It depends on where you live. Generally speaking, in Britain, luggage is the preferred version, while in the US, they usually say baggage. However, there may be local variations and personal preferences in every English speaking country.
The only real difference is in the figurative use:
baggage may be used to refer to someone’s emotional ‘history’. That is, the unpleasant thoughts and emotions you ‘carry’ with you, because of something bad that happened to you in the past.
- It’s important to be aware of your partner’s emotional baggage.
In this context, the word ‘luggage’ cannot be used.
Read more:
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Difference between British and American Uncountable Nouns
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