Cheapskate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cheapskate
[ˈtʃiːp.skeɪk ]
Definition
financial behavior
A cheapskate is someone who is excessively frugal or stingy, often refusing to spend money even when it is necessary or appropriate. This term is typically used in a negative context to describe individuals who avoid paying their fair share, seek out the best deals obsessively, or are unwilling to invest in quality. Cheapskates may take pride in their ability to save money but can come off as miserly to those around them. Their behavior often leads to social friction, especially in group settings where expenses are shared.
Synonyms
miser, penny-pincher, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad.
Examples of usage
- He's such a cheapskate that he never buys his friends coffee.
- You could tell she was a cheapskate when she insisted on splitting the bill down to the last penny.
- As a cheapskate, he always looks for the biggest discount, even if it means sacrificing quality.
- It's frustrating being friends with a cheapskate who never wants to spend any money.
- Some people think being a cheapskate is savvy, but it can ruin friendships.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures view frugality variously; in some, it's a sign of wisdom, while in others, it can be seen as negative or selfish.
- In Japan, being frugal is often respected and viewed as a quality of good character, especially in relation to community and family.
Psychology
- The behavior of avoiding spending may correlate with past experiences of scarcity, leading to a strong emphasis on saving.
- Cheapskate tendencies can sometimes mask deeper anxieties about financial stability or a reluctance to share resources.
Pop Culture
- The character Ebeneezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is one of the most iconic examples of a cheapskate in literature.
- Reality TV shows often highlight individuals who showcase extreme saving techniques, sometimes labeling them as cheapskates.
Economics
- While saving money can be beneficial, extreme frugality can impact one's quality of life, leading to missed experiences and opportunities.
- Research has shown that a moderate approach to spending can enhance overall happiness compared to extreme penny-pinching.
Origin of 'cheapskate'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated in the United States in the early 20th century, combining 'cheap' and 'skate', where 'skate' refers to someone considered lazy or inept.
- It was widely used in the 1930s, reflecting societal attitudes during the Great Depression when frugality became a virtue.
The term 'cheapskate' originated in the late 19th century in the United States, combining the word 'cheap,' which refers to low cost or price, with 'skate,' a slang term for a scoundrel or rascal. The first recorded use of 'cheapskate' appeared around 1916 and was often associated with someone who would go to great lengths to avoid spending money. The phrase captures the essence of stinginess that many people associate with individuals who are overly concerned with saving money. Over time, this term has evolved within colloquial speech to denote someone who not only saves money but does so in a way that may be socially unacceptable. In contemporary culture, 'cheapskate' is frequently used humorously or pejoratively to describe individuals who are excessively thrifty or reluctant to contribute financially, even in situations where it would be reasonable to do so.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,767, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.