'bargainwise' originates from English, specifically the combination of the noun 'bargain' and the suffix 'wise', where 'bargain' meant 'a negotiated agreement or sale' and 'wise' meant 'in the manner of'.

'bargain' developed via Middle English from Old French and related Germanic sources (Middle English 'bargayn'/'bargain'); the element 'wise' comes from Old English 'wīs' used as a formative meaning 'manner' or 'way', and these elements were joined in modern English to form 'bargainwise'.

Initially it literally meant 'in the manner of a bargain' or 'with respect to bargains'; over time it has been used more generally as 'with regard to price or bargainability', keeping the same core sense but applied idiomatically.