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Scrimping: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrimping

 

[ skrim-ping ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

spending less

Scrimping means to spend or use the smallest amount possible of something, often in reference to money or resources. It involves cutting back on expenses and making do with less, sometimes to save money or due to financial necessity. Scrimping often reflects a careful budgeting strategy where unnecessary costs are eliminated. People may scrimp on groceries, entertainment, and other discretionary expenses while trying to maintain their basic standards of living.

Synonyms

economical, frugal, stingy, thrifty

Examples of usage

  • He was scrimping on groceries to save for a vacation.
  • She decided to start scrimping on her monthly expenses.
  • They were known for scrimping and saving for their children's education.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrimping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 economizando

🇮🇳 सावधानी से खर्च करना

🇩🇪 sparen

🇮🇩 menghemat

🇺🇦 економія

🇵🇱 oszczędzanie

🇯🇵 切り詰める

🇫🇷 économiser

🇪🇸 ahorrar

🇹🇷 tasarruf etmek

🇰🇷 절약하다

🇸🇦 توفير

🇨🇿 šetření

🇸🇰 šetrnosť

🇨🇳 节省

🇸🇮 varčevanje

🇮🇸 sniðganga

🇰🇿 үнемдеу

🇬🇪 შეწუხება

🇦🇿 xərcləmək

🇲🇽 ahorrar

Etymology

The term 'scrimp' has its origins in the late 16th century, derived from the older English word 'scrimp,' which meant to contract or shrink. Initially, it was used to denote a physical reduction in size or quantity. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass financial practices, particularly those involving economies or cutbacks. The word is believed to have roots in the dialects of Middle English, where notions of constraint and limitation were commonly discussed in the context of resource management. As society became more consumer-oriented, the concept of scrimping morphed into a common reference for frugality and careful budgeting, especially during economic hardships.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,062, 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.