Haggled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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haggled

[หˆhรฆษกษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

bargaining process

To haggle means to negotiate or argue over the terms of a purchase, particularly the price. It often involves back-and-forth discussions where both parties try to reach a mutually agreeable price. Haggling is a common practice in markets, especially in cultures that encourage negotiation over fixed pricing. This term often carries a connotation of persistence and effort in achieving a better deal.

Synonyms

bargain, negotiate, quarrel, wrangle.

Examples of usage

  • They haggled over the price at the flea market.
  • She enjoyed haggling with the vendor for a better rate.
  • He haggled for hours before finally agreeing on a price.
  • It's common to haggle in open-air markets.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, haggling is a common practice in markets where prices aren't fixed, encouraging negotiation.
  • The Middle Eastern souks and Asian bazaars are famous for lively haggling, making it a social event rather than just a transaction.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people who haggle may feel more satisfied with their purchases than those who accept the first offer.
  • Haggling can enhance social bonds, as negotiating often involves playful banter and mutual understanding.

Economics

  • Haggling allows buyers and sellers to find a mutually agreeable price, often reflecting the true value of goods based on negotiation.
  • In many informal economies, haggling is essential for transactions, impacting local market dynamics and relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict haggling as a humorous or dramatic point, highlighting cultural differences in price negotiation.
  • Television shows about entrepreneurship frequently feature haggling as a key skill for success.

Origin of 'haggled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'haglen', which means to cut or hack, referring to cutting prices.
  • In Old Norse, 'haggla' meant to barter or trade, showing that it's been used for a long time in negotiations.

The word 'haggle' dates back to the late 15th century and is believed to have originated from the Middle English term 'haglen', which means to cut or to hack. This word likely evolved from the Old Norse word 'hagga', meaning to chop. Over time, the meaning shifted from physically cutting to engaging in a type of verbal exchange, reflecting the cutting nature of negotiating prices. The idea of 'haggling' as a bargaining strategy has deep roots in trade and commerce, where personal interactions were essential for securing favorable deals. As markets evolved, so too did the practice of haggling, which became more pronounced in certain cultures, particularly in environments that emphasized negotiation over fixed pricing. Its usage has endured through centuries, highlighting not just the economic aspect of purchasing but also the social dynamics involved in personal negotiation.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,762, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.