greedflation
Definition
The meaning: Greedflation refers to a situation where companies increase prices more than necessary during times of economic stress, such as inflation or supply shortages, in order to boost their profits.
La signification : Greedflation désigne un phénomène où des entreprises augmentent exagérément leurs prix pendant des périodes de crise économique, comme l'inflation ou les pénuries, dans le but d’augmenter leurs profits.
Here's an example of use: "Critics accuse big supermarkets of driving up food prices through greedflation."
This term is a blend of “greed” and “inflation” and is commonly used in political, economic, and media discussions to highlight profit-driven behaviour during crises.
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Inflation cupide »» Hausse abusive des prix »» Profits excessifs »» Inflation par avidité »» Exploitation de crise Ⓐ Pendant la crise, certaines entreprises ont pratiqué la greedflation pour gonfler leurs marges. Ⓑ La hausse des prix n’était pas due à la pénurie, mais à la greedflation. English equivalents »» Price gouging »» Profiteering »» Crisis capitalism »» Corporate greed »» Profit-driven inflation Ⓐ The price of essentials skyrocketed, but wages didn’t. That’s greedflation at work. Ⓑ Don’t blame supply chains—this is just pure greedflation.
Dialogue
Jade: "Have you noticed how cereal prices jumped 40% in six months?" Tariq: "Yeah, and the companies posted record profits. Looks like greedflation to me."
Etymology
Origin: Greedflation is a blend (or portmanteau) of the words greed and inflation. It emerged in public discourse during the 2020s, especially in the wake of global supply shocks and economic instability.
Modern Usage: Used in media, political commentary, and economic analysis to criticize companies for inflating prices under the pretext of inflationary pressure, when the actual motive is higher profit margins.
Connotation: Critical and accusatory — implies unfair corporate behaviour and exploitation of consumers during vulnerable times.
Grammar Note: Used as a noun: “Greedflation is hurting families.” “Analysts blame greedflation for price hikes.”
Audience
Greedflation is typically used in journalistic, activist, and political settings, as well as by economists and the general public concerned with cost of living issues.
When to use: Use it to describe or critique price increases that seem driven more by corporate greed than by actual economic necessity. For example: “The cost of milk doubled, but production costs didn’t. That’s greedflation.”
Dictionary Meaning
Collins defines it as an increase in the price of goods and services caused by businesses increasing their prices by more than their costs have risen." Here's an example of use from The Daily Maverick: "Discussions will include an exploration of the impact of various factors, such as ‘greedflation,’ on food inflation and how competition enforcement can proactively address such issues"
News Snippet
"Baked bean prices have mainly risen over the last couple of years, due to producers such as Heinz hiking prices to increase unit profitability, in a move that some critics have denounced as fueling ‘greedflation’. Similar to shrinkflation, greedflation occurs when corporates or businesses keep product prices high intentionally, even in a cost of living or high inflation scenario, in order to maximise profits. "
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What's really causing inflation
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Greedflation"
Make a killing
To earn a lot of money quickly and sometimes unethically.
Example: "The company made a killing during the shortage by raising prices overnight."
Cash in on
To take advantage of a situation for personal or financial gain.
Example: "They cashed in on the crisis, charging double for basic necessities."
Price gouging
Charging excessively high prices, especially during a crisis.
Example: "Selling bottled water for €10 during a heatwave? That’s blatant price gouging."
Line one’s pockets
To make money dishonestly or unfairly, often through power or position.
Example: "While families struggled, the executives lined their pockets with bonuses."
Feast while others starve
To live in luxury while others suffer, often used to criticise greed or inequality.
Example: "It’s greedflation in action—corporations feasting while others starve."
Milk it for all it’s worth
To exploit a situation as much as possible for gain.
Example: "They’re milking the supply chain excuse for all it’s worth to justify price hikes."
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