BusinessAugust 10, 2026

gouge

GOWJ

Definition

To charge an unfairly high price for a product or service, typically by taking advantage of a captive market or limited competition.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle French 'gouge', meaning a chisel, the term originally referred to the act of cutting or scooping something out. Its metaphorical sense of 'cheating' or 'extorting' money emerged in the late 19th century.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe potential fears that a merged media conglomerate might inflate subscription prices. It highlights how consumer advocacy groups often use this term to critique monopolistic behavior.

Five Myths About The Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Read the full article ↗

Forbes

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