Etymology Map
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Bargain

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means something bought for less than its usual price; an agreement

Where does the word "bargain" come from? It comes from Frankish borganjan, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
borganjan
Frankish · ancient
"to lend, borrow"
a Germanic verb related to 'borrow'
2
Stage 2 of 3
bargaignier
Old French · medieval
"to haggle"
a medieval market term for the haggling over price
3
Stage 3 of 3
bargain
English · 1300s
"an agreement; a good deal"
the sense 'something bought cheaply' came in the 1500s
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Read the full story

Bargain’s story begins in Frankish: borganjan meant “to lend, borrow.” A Germanic verb related to 'borrow'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as bargaignier. A medieval market term for the haggling over price. It reached English by 1300s as bargain. The sense 'something bought cheaply' came in the 1500s. Today, bargain means something bought for less than its usual price; an agreement.