Highballed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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highballed
[ˈhaɪbɔːld ]
Definition
slang usage
To highball means to drive rapidly or recklessly. This term is often used in informal contexts to describe someone who is engaging in high-speed driving. It can also refer to acting in a carefree or reckless manner in various situations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He highballed down the highway chasing his friends.
- She likes to highball when she's taking a joyride.
- They were highballing through the city streets last night.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the film industry, a 'highball' can also refer to the practice of financing a project for more than it may realistically earn.
- The term was popularized in poker and gambling contexts, where one player raises the stakes significantly.
Economics
- In business negotiations, 'highballing' is used as a tactic to start discussions at a high price, expecting to settle for something lower.
- Behavioral economists study how initial offers can influence perception of value in negotiations.
Psychology
- The strategy of highballing can be linked to the anchoring effect, where initial high offers set a mental benchmark for future offers.
- Researchers have found that people often perceive higher initial offers as having more value, even if the final agreement is lower.
Literature
- The term has appeared in various modern novels and dramas, often symbolizing ambition and risk-taking.
- Writers use 'highballed' to illustrate characters who are overly ambitious, depicting a clash between expectations and reality.
Origin of 'highballed'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated from the highball cocktail, which is typically served in tall glasses, suggesting something elevated.
- Its roots can be traced back to horse racing in the late 19th century, where 'highball' referred to a signal for faster movement.
The term 'highball' first appeared in the mid-19th century and originally referred to a cocktail made with whiskey and carbonated water. However, in the early 20th century, the meaning of highball evolved into a slang term used in the context of fast driving. It was likely influenced by the idea of 'highballing' in railroad terminology, where a signal would indicate to trains that they could go full speed ahead. Over the decades, this term has remained popular in colloquial speech, typically invoking images of thrill-seeking behavior and adventurous escapades. The transition from a cocktail to a term in the realm of speed reflects social and cultural shifts where leisure activities began to embrace excitement and boldness.