Gouger: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
gouger
[ หษกaสdสษr ]
price increases
A gouger refers to a person or entity that jacks up prices, often unreasonably, especially during times of high demand or crises. This term is frequently used in the context of businesses or individuals who take advantage of consumers by inflating prices excessively for essential goods or services. Gouging can occur in various industries, including food, housing, and utilities, and is often criticized as unscrupulous and exploitative behavior.
Synonyms
exploiter, extortionist, rip-off artist
Examples of usage
- The gas station was accused of being a gouger after raising prices during the storm.
- Consumers rallied against the gougers who hiked costs for hand sanitizer.
- The city enforced regulations to curb gouger practices during the natural disaster.
Translations
Translations of the word "gouger" in other languages:
๐ต๐น gouger
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Grรคber
๐ฎ๐ฉ penggali
๐บ๐ฆ ะณัะฐะฑะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ kopacz
๐ฏ๐ต ๆใไบบ
๐ซ๐ท gougeur
๐ช๐ธ excavador
๐น๐ท kazฤฑcฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตด์ฐฉ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญูุงุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ kopรกฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ kopรกฤ
๐จ๐ณ ๆๆ่
๐ธ๐ฎ kopalec
๐ฎ๐ธ grafari
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐะทััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฎแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qazฤฑcฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ excavador
Word origin
The term 'gouger' originates from the noun 'gouge', which comes from the Old French word 'gauge', meaning 'to pry out or scoop'. Historically, gouges were tools used for carving or cutting. However, over time, the meaning evolved into a term for someone who takes advantage of others, particularly in the context of excessive pricing. In the late 20th century, 'price gouging' emerged as a legal and social concern, especially during crises like natural disasters. This led to the adoption of 'gouger' as a label for those who exploit financial situations to their benefit. The negative connotation is widespread, and laws against price gouging have been enacted in many regions to protect consumers.