on a shoestring?

so i'm in berlin now, and trying to dress the part. today i wore my boots, nice skirt, a smart jacket, necklace etc...i asked someone if i was on the right train to the haubenhof and the guy answers "so, are you here visiting europe on a shoestring?" and i was all, do i look like i'm travelling on a freaking shoestring?! i'm holding my laptop bag in one hand, the international times herald in the other. what a jerk. actually, i think i called him a weiner.