Haggle

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Haggle

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb and noun

Pronunciation

HAG-ul  /ˈhæɡ(ə)l/

Definition

As a verb: to dispute or bargain persistently and tenaciously over the price of something; to wrangle or argue. As a noun: a period of persistent bargaining or argument about price.

Plain meaning

To haggle means to negotiate hard over a price — going back and forth, each side making offers and counteroffers, refusing to accept the first price given. It is the opposite of accepting the asking price without question.

Register

Neutral to informal. Haggle carries a slightly energetic, slightly negative quality — to haggle implies persistence that may be tiresome. The professional negotiator who haggles for hours over a contract price is doing something respected; the tourist who haggles over a cheap trinket may be doing something slightly undignified. Context determines the tone.