Why are people constantly talking about "bits"?

[PolyesterBride]

As in "I'm going into town to get a few bits for school" or "I'll just get her some bits for her birthday".

It really annoys me! Not sure why, but I would prefer it if they said "stuff" or "things".

[SconeRhymesWithGone]

In the US, we don't say "bits" much so I was surprised to learn that in the UK, the pulp in orange juice is often called "bits" even on labels.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2173863-AIBU-to-think-orange-juice-with-bits-is-just-lazy-juicing?

[PolyesterBride]

People have definitely started saying bits more

Girly bits (for genitals)
Juicy bits (for fruit pulp)
Buy some bits (for things/shopping)
Snazzy kitchen bits to buy
She was in bits.
The funny bits

Just don't like the word! Not pedantry as such I guess though...

[JessieMcJessie]

Would you mind if they said "bits and pieces"? It's just a contraction of that I think.