Chintzier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chintzier

[หˆtสƒษชn.tอกsi.ษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Chintzier refers to someone who is excessively stingy or miserly, often to a degree that is considered unpleasant or overly frugal. It conveys a sense of being cheap and unwilling to spend money, even in situations where generosity might be expected.

Synonyms

miserly, stingy, tightfisted.

Examples of usage

  • He was chintzier than anyone I knew, always avoiding spending even a penny.
  • The chintzier her gifts were, the more uncomfortable the situation became.
  • They decided to have a potluck because their chintzy friend never wanted to cover the dinner bill.

Translations

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Origin of 'chintzier'

The term 'chintzy' originates from 'chintz,' a type of cotton fabric that was originally imported from India to Europe in the 17th century. Chintz fabrics were noted for their vibrant patterns and were commonly used for curtains and upholstery. Over time, the word 'chintz' evolved in the English language and came to be associated with anything cheap or gaudy in quality, much like the patterns of the fabric. The suffix '-ier' was added, creating 'chintzier' to denote a comparative degree of the original adjective, thereby emphasizing an even greater degree of stinginess or cheapness. The evolving usage reflects a cultural disdain for excessive frugality, particularly in social settings, and expresses a notion that being overly cheap can detract from interpersonal relationships.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,792, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.