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Scrimp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scrimp

[skrɪmp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to save

To scrimp means to save money or resources by using them sparingly or being frugal. It often implies making sacrifices or cuts in spending to allocate funds for essential needs or savings.

Synonyms

economize, reduce, save, tighten.

Examples of usage

  • She had to scrimp and save to afford a new car.
  • During times of economic hardship, many families learn to scrimp on groceries.
  • I scrimped on my vacation budget to stay within my financial limits.
  • He scrimped on luxuries to prioritize his children's education.
Context #2 | Verb

to limit

To scrimp can also refer to the act of restraining or limiting oneself in expenses or usage. It emphasizes a degree of carefulness to avoid waste.

Synonyms

curtail, cut back, reduce.

Examples of usage

  • They scrimped on electricity by turning off lights when not in use.
  • The party was nice, but they really scrimped on the food.
  • I had to scrimp on my wardrobe this month.
  • We agreed to scrimp on entertainment costs for a while.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'scrimp'

The word 'scrimp' originated in the early 19th century and is likely derived from the Middle English word 'scrimpen', which meant to shrink or to make smaller. This, in turn, comes from the Old Norse 'skria', meaning to scratch or to cut off. Over time, the meaning evolved from a physical reduction to a broader financial connotation, signifying the act of being frugal or reducing expenditure. The transition highlights a shift in usage from physical attributes to financial behaviors, reflecting social and economic changes of the period. As economies fluctuated, particularly during the industrial revolution, the need for thriftiness became increasingly relevant, solidifying the term in popular vernacular as a method of financial management.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,083, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.