Sandbagging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sandbagging
[หsรฆndหbรฆษกษชล ]
Definitions
sports strategy
Sandbagging refers to the practice of deliberately underperforming or misleading others about one's abilities to gain an advantage later on, often in competitive scenarios like sports or gaming. By downplaying skills, individuals can surprise opponents when they finally reveal their true capabilities.
Synonyms
deceive, play down, understate.
Examples of usage
- He was sandbagging in the tournament to avoid tough opponents.
- In poker, she often sandbags her hand to manipulate her opponents.
- The athlete was accused of sandbagging to secure an easier matchup.
- During the qualifying rounds, he sandbagged his performance.
gaming tactic
In gaming, sandbagging can refer to the act of not playing to one's full potential to mislead other players about one's skills and strategies. This can create a strategic advantage when the player chooses to play seriously later in the game.
Synonyms
feigning weakness, misleading, subterfuge.
Examples of usage
- His sandbagging led to an unexpected comeback in the final round.
- She used sandbagging as a tactic to win the match.
- The team engaged in sandbagging during the early rounds of the competition.
- His history of sandbagging made him a formidable opponent.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'sandbagging'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'sandbagging' originates from the act of using sandbags in a physical context, particularly during the 19th century in the United States, where sandbags were used to create barriers and control floods. The metaphorical use of the term emerged in the early 20th century, particularly within gambling and competitive sports, to describe individuals who would deliberately underperform to manipulate outcomes. The strategy of sandbagging reflects a broader human tendency to underestimate one's abilities or to misrepresent one's strength strategically. Its adoption in various competitive fields has evolved, reinforcing a culture of psychological tactics in sports, games, and even business negotiations.