low-ball

The term 'low-ball' originates from mid-20th century American English, specifically from the jargon of sales and negotiation. It is a metaphorical extension from the game of baseball or pool, where a 'low ball' is one pitched or struck low, making it difficult to handle. In a transactional context, the 'ball' represents an offer or bid. A 'low' offer is one deliberately set well below a reasonable or expected value. The logic of the compound perfectly captures the strategy: presenting an initial figure that is deceptively small (low) in the exchange (ball) to unsettle the counterparty and anchor the subsequent negotiation to an unfairly advantageous starting point.

Structure: low (small in amount/height) + ball (sphere/object) - low: From Old English 'hlāw', 'hlēo' meaning "low, not high," of Germanic origin. In this compound, it functions as an adjective/adverb denoting a small amount or degree. - ball: From Old English beall (found in compounds) or Old Norse 'bǫllr', meaning "sphere, globe, round object." In this compound, it functions as a noun, metaphorically representing an offer or pitch in a transaction.