Cheapskate: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
cheapskate
[หtสiหp.skeษชk ]
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "cheapskate" in other languages:
๐ต๐น miserรกvel
- pรฃo-duro
- avarento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Geizkragen
๐ฎ๐ฉ pelit
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบะฝะฐัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ skฤ piec
๐ฏ๐ต ใใก
๐ซ๐ท radin
๐ช๐ธ tacaรฑo
๐น๐ท cimri
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตฌ๋์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุฎูู
๐จ๐ฟ ลกkrลฅa
๐ธ๐ฐ ลกkrลฅa
๐จ๐ณ ๅฐๆฐ้ฌผ
๐ธ๐ฎ skop
๐ฎ๐ธ fรญflari
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตัะบะต
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ xษsis
๐ฒ๐ฝ tacaรฑo
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.