Niggardly Meaning: Definition and Examples
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niggardly
[ΛnΙͺΙ‘Ιrdli ]
Definition
describing personality
Niggardly describes someone who is stingy or miserly, reluctant to part with their money or resources. A niggardly person tends to hoard their possessions and is often unwilling to share with others. This term carries a negative connotation and implies a lack of generosity. It is important to note that while 'niggardly' refers to frugality, it should not be confused with any racially charged terms. Its usage in modern language is often carefully considered due to the phonetic resemblance to an offensive term.
Synonyms
miserly, parsimonious, stingy, tight-fisted.
Examples of usage
- He was criticized for his niggardly habits regarding donations.
- Her niggardly attitude towards spending made her friends uncomfortable.
- Despite his wealth, he was known for his niggardly nature.
- They received a niggardly amount of help from the organization.
Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- In literature, characters depicted as niggardly often serve as moral lessons about the importance of generosity.
- Charles Dickens used themes of niggardliness in his works, portraying characters who hoard wealth and avoid sharing it.
- Fables often showcase niggardly individuals who end up lonely as they refuse to share with others.
Psychology
- Psychological studies suggest that a niggardly mindset can stem from fear of scarcity or past experiences of deprivation.
- Generosity has been linked to greater happiness, contradicting the lifestyle of those who are niggardly.
- People who hoard or are stingy may exhibit anxiety over potential future lack.
Historical Usage
- In the Renaissance, the term often described not just financial stinginess, but an overall unwillingness to be generous in spirit.
- The use of niggardly in literature has fluctuated, becoming less common in modern discourse due to its phonetic resemblance to offensive language.
- Historically, 'niggardly' was sometimes used to critique societal inequalities, highlighting those who would not share wealth.
Modern Perspectives
- In contemporary discussions, the term 'niggardly' is often avoided due to concerns about misinterpretation and offense.
- Alternatives like 'stingy' or 'miserly' are frequently used in place of niggardly in modern conversations.
- Awareness around language and its impact has led to greater sensitivity in word choice when discussing wealth and generosity.
Origin of 'niggardly'
Main points about word origin
- The word has Old Norse roots, deriving from 'nigla,' which means to be stingy.
- It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe someone who is miserly or tight with money.
- Though it sounds similar to a very controversial word, the terms are unrelated in origin or meaning.
The word 'niggardly' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word 'niggr,' meaning 'stingy.' It has been in use since the late 14th century. The term has evolved over centuries, originally used to describe someone who is excessively frugal or unwilling to spend. Despite its long history in the English language, 'niggardly' has faced scrutiny in contemporary usage due to its phonetic similarity to a well-known racial slur. Thus, many speakers and writers now prefer to avoid the term to prevent misunderstandings and to promote sensitivity in language. The cultural and social implications of vocabulary choices underscore the importance of context and the evolving nature of language.