Bargain-Basement
/ˈbɑːr.ɡən ˌbeɪs.mənt/noun
A store department or area offering goods at unusually low prices.
Did you know?The expression grew from department-store practice: merchandise marked down for clearance was commonly displayed in basement sales areas, turning “basement” into a metaphor for rock-bottom prices.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Old French
bargaignier
“To negotiate, haggle, or conduct business; the ultimate origin is uncertain and may involve Germanic influence.”
13th–14th Century
Middle English
bargayn
“An agreement or transaction, especially one obtained on favorable terms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
básis
“A step, footing, or foundation—the source of the later “base” family.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
bas
“Low or deep, from which English “base” and “basement” developed.”
14th Century
Middle English
basement
“A foundation or lower supporting structure; later, an underground or partly underground floor.”
Late 19th–Early 20th Century
American English
bargain basement
“A department-store basement where inexpensive or clearance goods were sold.”
Modern English
English
bargain-basement
“Extremely cheap, low-budget, or associated with discounted merchandise.”