Shortchanged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
shortchanged
[หสษrtหสงeษชndส ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Economics
- In business transactions, customers can feel shortchanged if the product does not meet their expectations based on advertisements.
- Economic theories often discuss how feeling shortchanged can affect consumer behavior and spending habits.
Social Justice
- Communities may feel shortchanged when government resources are not fairly allocated, leading to social inequality.
- Issues of inequality often arise when certain groups feel they are denied their fair share of education, economic opportunities, or social services.
Literature
- The concept appears in various literary works where characters express feelings of betrayal or disappointment when they receive less than promised.
- Many writers use the theme of being shortchanged to critique societal norms and injustices.
Psychology
- Feeling shortchanged can lead to resentment and emotional distress, affecting relationships and mental wellbeing.
- Research shows that perceptions of fairness are essential to social interactions, and feeling shortchanged can disrupt trust.
Origin of 'shortchanged'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the literal meaning of being given less money than expected, first recorded in the early 20th century.
- It's a combination of 'short,' meaning insufficient, and 'change,' relating to money or return.
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.