What does “Haggle” mean?
The slang phrase "Haggle" means to negotiate or argue over the price of something, often in a heated discussion about its value. When someone uses "Haggle", they are referring to engaging in a back-and-forth debate or standoff with the seller or vendor in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable price for a particular item or service.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
She's a master at haggling with street vendors for better prices.
Example
It's expected to haggle at the local market to get a fair deal.
Example
They spent hours haggling with the car salesman to lower the price.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Negotiating the price of goods or services
I haggled with the street vendor and got the price of the bag down by 50%.
They were able to haggle a lower price for the car by pointing out its flaws.
- 2Bargaining for a fair deal
It's common to haggle at the local market to get a fair price for produce.
She's known for her ability to haggle with salespeople and get the best deals.
- 3Engaging in a heated discussion about value
They spent hours haggling with the car salesman to lower the price.
The couple got into a haggle with the real estate agent over the price of the house.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "haggle" has its origins in Middle English and Old Norse. It has been used for centuries to describe the process of bargaining or negotiating a price. The word itself comes from the Old Norse word 'haggva', which means 'to hew' or 'to chop'. This reflects the idea of cutting or chopping down the price during a negotiation.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "haggle" is typically used within a sentence, it can also be used on its own to convey the act of negotiating or arguing over a price. For example, if someone asks you how you got a good deal on a purchase, you might simply respond with "Haggled!" to indicate that you negotiated the price.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "haggle" is not offensive. It is a common term used to describe the act of negotiating or arguing over the price of something.
Audience for the phrase
The term "haggle" is commonly used by people who are familiar with negotiating prices and engaging in bargaining. It is often used in business transactions, as well as in everyday situations where price negotiation is expected, such as at markets or when purchasing big-ticket items.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
While the term "haggle" is used in various English-speaking regions, it is particularly associated with the UK. The practice of haggling is more common in certain cultures and regions, such as the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa, where it is considered a normal part of the buying and selling process.
