Sandbagging: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originated from the practice of using bags filled with sand to hold back water or provide safety during floods, signifying hidden support.
• It was first used in the context of poker in the 19th century, where players would play poorly on purpose to deceive their opponents.

Psychology

• The tactic is linked to strategic behaviors, where individuals display false identities to manipulate perceptions.
• It can also relate to a concept known as 'impression management,' where people control how others perceive their abilities.

Sports

• In competitive sports, athletes may 'sandbag' during practice games to lower their opponents' expectations before the main event.
• The strategy can create opportunities to outplay opponents in crucial moments of a competition.

Pop Culture

• In media and films, characters often use sandbagging as a tactic in games and competitions, showcasing the element of surprise when they reveal their true skills.
• Reality TV shows sometimes feature contestants who sandbag to mislead others about their strengths to gain strategic advantages in competitions.

Business

• Corporate environments may see employees 'sandbagging' by downplaying their achievements to manage expectations during performance reviews.
• This tactic can create room for more significant surprises when actual results exceed lowered expectations.