What is it called when someone wants a certain sports team to win, but plays himself as the underdog purposely?

[RapidSnail]

So that no matter what happens he "wins."

Real-life example:

Friend of mine wants Colts to win so badly that he refuses to watch the SB if the Patriots had won because they've "won too many Super Bowls." Days before the game even starts and throughout the game he keeps saying "The Patriots are going to win." Second half roles around and the Colts tie the game. "Wow, the Colts just tied the game! Amazing! I never thought it could happen. Etc." Now if the Pats had won he would have said something on the likes of "I told you so," but because they lost he gets to play the role of the underdog victor.

Is this called reverse psychology?

- $.25

:beer: - 2 for $1

 

[Schfifty Five]

haha wahat?

 

[vi edit]

He's hedging the bet.

 

[QED]

lowered expectations?

reverse psychology is usually used on someone else, not yourself...

 

[Howard]

You're thinking too hard about this.

 

[purbeast0]

it means your friend is one of those people who hates to be wrong and always thinks he's right.

 

[DainBramaged]

Paranoid schizophrenic.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

lol, if there was money involved then I might question it, but otherwise you're thinking about this too much 😛

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: Howard
You're thinking too hard about this.

Nah, it happens with others also, it's just more prevalent with him. It's kind of hard to explain in text, but the way he says it portrays a pessimistic attitude (I know they're going to win (and I'm going to lose).

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
lol, if there was money involved then I might question it, but otherwise you're thinking about this too much 😛

I know it sounds as if I am probing too deep, but I can't really think of a way to describe it shortly without the word I'm looking for.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Even Steven lol

 

[chambersc]

sand bagging?

 

[bunnyfubbles]

dbag? rtard?

 

[sixone]

So what if he does? It's not illegal, immoral, or fattening. Annoying - sure, but are you gonna tell me YOU're never annoying?

If you want to keep his friendship, blow it off. If you don't, say so - you don't need a reason.

 

[chrisms]

10 beers please.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: sixone
So what if he does? It's not illegal, immoral, or fattening. Annoying - sure, but are you gonna tell me YOU're never annoying?

If you want to keep his friendship, blow it off. If you don't, say so - you don't need a reason.

Or course, I know that I do stupid things too which is why I'm not going to blow the issue up with him at all; I'm just trying to find an adequate word to describe that behavior.

 

[arrfep]

It's a psychological thing. "Hope for the best, expect the worst." I don't know if there's an official term for it. People do it all the time in decisive situations. Prime yourself for a loss by continously telling yourself you (or your team) will lose. However, deep down inside you still hope and believe you will win. But if the loss happens, you are not so devastated because you prepared for it by kind of faux-believing that was going to happen anyway. However if it's a win, you are super joyous because it's an upset (because of the preparation of a loss).

It's pretty much the only way to be a sports fan in Chicago.

 

[dxkj]

Pessimism.

He is being a pessimist so that if he is right, he knew it all along... if he is wrong, he is pleasantly surprised.