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Skimp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skimp

[skɪm p ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

spending less

To skimp means to use less of something, often in a way that compromises quality or thoroughness. This term is frequently used when discussing resources, time, or effort. In practice, skimping can lead to subpar results and is often considered an act of negligence in various contexts. It's important to balance efficiency and adequacy, as excessive skimping can result in significant drawbacks.

Synonyms

cut back, economize, scrimp, skimping, thrift.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to skimp on materials to save money.
  • You shouldn't skimp on safety measures.
  • They tended to skimp on quality when rushing to meet deadlines.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In modern slang, saying someone 'skimped' on their homework hints that they didn't give it their all, which can lead to poor grades.
  • The term is often used in the context of budgeting, where someone might skimp on luxuries to save money.

Psychology

  • Research shows that when people skimp on personal relationships or commitments, it can lead to feelings of guilt or dissatisfaction.
  • Too much skimping in life can also result in negative coping mechanisms, as people try to balance their resources.

Economics

  • In economics, skimping on quality can lead to a short-term gain, but it often results in long-term losses or customer dissatisfaction.
  • Businesses may skimp on production cost to maximize profits, but this strategy can backfire if it negatively impacts reputation.

Literature

  • Authors often use characters that skimp on their goals as a way to illustrate the folly of half-hearted efforts.
  • In classic literature, characters who skimp in their pursuits often face significant challenges or moral dilemmas.

Origin of 'skimp'

Main points about word origin

  • The word skimp comes from the mid-19th century and has roots in the Old Norse word 'skimpa', which means to cut off or lessen.
  • Originally, it was used to describe a lack of effort or care, especially in work or material goods.

The word 'skimp' has its origins in the early 19th century. It is thought to be derived from the dialectal English word 'skimp,' which meant to 'scrape by' or 'get by with less.' This word is related to the notion of economizing and has been used to describe behaviors where one does not spend enough or cuts corners in various endeavors. The term reflects a cultural attitude towards frugality and resource management, often highlighting a tension between frugality and quality. Over time, 'skimp' has evolved in usage but retains its core meaning of inadequately providing for something.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,525, 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.