Scrooge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
scrooge
[skruหdส ]
Definition
miserly person
The term 'Scrooge' refers to a person who is stingy or miserly, often unwilling to spend money or share. This usage is derived from the character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' novella 'A Christmas Carol', who is initially portrayed as a greedy and unkind businessman. Over time, it has become a common term for anyone exhibiting such traits.
Synonyms
cheapskate, miser, penny-pincher, tightwad.
Examples of usage
- Don't be a Scrooge during the holidays!
- He always counts his pennies; he's such a Scrooge.
- After his promotion, he still lives like a Scrooge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The character Ebenezer Scrooge appears in Charles Dickens' story 'A Christmas Carol', which was published in 1843.
- 'A Christmas Carol' has been adapted into various films, plays, and musicals, making Scrooge a well-known character worldwide.
- Scrooge starts off as a wealthy but unkind man, but after learning valuable lessons from ghosts, he becomes generous and kind.
Cultural References
- The term 'Scrooge' has entered the English language, symbolizing anyone who is miserly or unwilling to share their wealth.
- Many companies and media references use the character of Scrooge to represent the holiday spirit of giving versus greed.
- The phrase 'Scrooge-like' is often used to describe someone who is so focused on money that they forget about happiness or generosity.
Psychology
- People who are described as 'Scrooge' often display traits of extreme frugality, which can stem from fear of financial insecurity.
- The transformation of Scrooge reflects the psychological concept of redemption, where individuals can change their ways and improve their lives.
- Studies show that generosity can lead to increased happiness, which contrasts with Scrooge's initial character of misery linked to hoarding wealth.
Social Commentary
- 'A Christmas Carol' serves as a critique of Victorian society's treatment of the poor and the consequences of greed.
- Scrooge's journey from isolation to connection highlights the importance of community and compassion during the holiday season.
- The story's enduring popularity stems from its universal themes of redemption and the spirit of giving.
Historical Impact
- The character of Scrooge spurred discussions about philanthropy and social responsibility during the Victorian era.
- Dickensโ portrayal of Scrooge contributed to the modern view of Christmas as a time for giving and sharing with others.
- Scrooge has become an archetype in literature, influencing countless other stories with similar themes of transformation and kindness.
Origin of 'scrooge'
The word 'Scrooge' originated from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', which was first published in 1843. The character Ebenezer Scrooge is depicted as a curmudgeonly old man who hoards his wealth and despises the Christmas season. His transformation after being visited by three ghosts becomes a central theme of the story, symbolizing redemption and the spirit of generosity. After the publication of the novella, the name 'Scrooge' quickly entered the English language as a synonym for miserly individuals. Its usage reflects societal attitudes towards greed and the value of compassion and giving, especially during the holiday season. Today, the term is universally understood, often used humorously to describe someone who resists the cheerfulness and generosity associated with festive occasions.