Third World briefcase

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English

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Etymology

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So called from the size and shape (with carrying handle) and their stereotypical popularity among poor black youth.

Noun

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Third World briefcase (plural Third World briefcases)

  1. (slang, humorous, offensive) A portable ghetto blaster.
    • 1987, Thomas Caplan, Parallelogram, page 121:
      Be a bum in this part of town, he knew, keep rhythm with your fingers, sport a Walkman or a third-world briefcase—people might shrug, but they would never remember your face.
    • 1991, Ralph McInerny, Judas Priest, page 122:
      "Do you have a cassette tape player?"
      "I've got a Third World briefcase," Katie said to Agnes, and then turned scarlet, thinking the black officer would take offense.