Shortchanged: meaning, definitions and examples

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shortchanged

 

[ ˈʃɔrtˌʧeɪndʌ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

financial transactions

To be shortchanged means to receive less money than one is entitled to in a transaction, often due to an error or deceit on the part of the seller. It can also refer to being deprived of something that one deserves.

Synonyms

cheated, deceived, defrauded, swindled.

Examples of usage

  • I was shortchanged at the store when they gave me the wrong amount of change.
  • He felt shortchanged after working overtime without additional pay.
  • Don't let yourself be shortchanged on your salary negotiations.
  • She was shortchanged by her previous employer, who didn't give her a fair severance.
  • The customers complained that they were shortchanged during the sale.

Translations

Translations of the word "shortchanged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganado

🇮🇳 धोखा दिया गया

🇩🇪 betrogen

🇮🇩 ditipu

🇺🇦 обманутий

🇵🇱 oszukany

🇯🇵 騙された

🇫🇷 escroqué

🇪🇸 engañado

🇹🇷 aldatılmış

🇰🇷 속고 있는

🇸🇦 مخدوع

🇨🇿 oklamaný

🇸🇰 oklamaný

🇨🇳 被欺骗

🇸🇮 prevaran

🇮🇸 svikinn

🇰🇿 алдауға ұшыраған

🇬🇪 მოსული

🇦🇿 aldadılmış

🇲🇽 engañado

Etymology

The term 'shortchanged' originates from the verb 'to shortchange', which first appeared in American English in the early 20th century. It is derived from the combination of 'short', meaning less than expected, and 'change', which refers to the money returned to a customer after a purchase. The use of the term reflects common practices in commerce where customers may receive less than their due, either intentionally or accidentally. The concept carries a connotation of unfairness and deceit, highlighting the importance of integrity in financial dealings. Over time, 'shortchanged' has evolved beyond its original financial context to also describe scenarios in which individuals feel they did not receive what they were promised or deserved in various aspects of life.