Vothanus's definitions

Schrödinger’s Haggler

Someone who exists in a state of contradictory negotiating behavior until observed (i.e., called out): simultaneously outraged at by lowball offers when they’re selling (because “that’s unfair!”), and aggressively lowballing others when they’re buying—both states coexisting in perfect hypocrisy until the contradiction is pointed out and the reality collapses into obvious double standards.

That guy on Marketplace is a total Schrödinger’s Haggler—he flips out and calls you cheap for offering $50 on his $200 listing, but then turns around and lowballs every seller he messages by 70% like it’s nothing

by Vothanus February 20, 2026