Higgler

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪɡ.lɚ/ (American English), /ˈhɪɡ.lə/ (British English)

Definitions

• A person who travels from place to place selling small goods, often by bargaining.
• (Historical) A peddler or hawker, particularly in rural areas.

Usage Examples

• The higgler moved from village to village selling fresh produce.
• She learned the art of negotiation from her grandfather, a seasoned higgler.
• In old England, higglers were common traders in small towns.

Etymology

Derived from the 16th-century English verb "higgle," meaning to haggle or bargain persistently.

Synonyms

• Peddler
• Hawker
• Street vendor
• Trader

Antonyms

• Buyer
• Customer
• Wholesaler

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈhɪɡ.lə/
• American English: /ˈhɪɡ.lɚ/
• Jamaican English: /ˈhɪɡ.lɚ/ (commonly used for rural traders)

Historical Usage

Higglers played a crucial role in rural economies, providing goods to isolated communities before modern retail stores became widespread.

Cultural Nuances

In Jamaica, the term "higgler" is still widely used to describe market traders who travel to sell their goods, often in an informal economy.

More Information

The concept of a higgler has evolved with modern markets, with some adapting to online platforms while maintaining traditional bartering skills.