Skimped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skimped
[skɪmpt ]
Definition
economize spending
To skimp means to spend less time, effort, or money on something than is appropriate or necessary. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the individual is cutting corners or compromising quality in order to save resources. This behavior can lead to inadequate results or subpar outcomes in various contexts, such as work, home repairs, or budgeting. Skimping is generally discouraged, as it usually results in a lack of attention to important details.
Synonyms
cut back, scrimp, short-change, slash.
Examples of usage
- He skimped on the food for the party, leaving guests hungry.
- The company skimped on safety measures, resulting in an accident.
- She skimped her studying, which reflected in her poor grades.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In various cultures, being thrifty is celebrated; however, skimping too much can lead to a lack of quality.
- The concept of 'skimping' is viewed differently in societies that prioritize sustainability versus those focused on lavishness.
- There are many sayings about being too stingy, which often criticize the practice of skimping excessively.
Psychology
- People might skimp on resources due to fear of scarcity, which can stem from personal experiences of lack.
- Studies show that individuals who skimp are sometimes less satisfied with their choices, leading to regret.
- Social comparisons can influence skimping behaviors; if others are perceived as having more, one might skimp to appear more prudent.
Economics
- In business, companies may skimp on materials to reduce costs, risking the quality of their products.
- Skimping can lead to short-term savings but may result in long-term losses if customers are unhappy.
- Understanding when to skimp and when to invest more is a key concept in budgeting.
Origin of 'skimped'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old Norse, where 'skamta' means to give in small amounts.
- Initially used in the 17th century to describe a way of cutting costs by using less.
- Related to other words like 'skimpy', which also means insufficient or too small.
The word 'skimp' has its origins in the early 18th century, deriving from the dialectal term 'skimpen', which means to be sparing or to skimp. It may also be connected to the Old Norse word 'skimpa', meaning to skim or to cut short. Over time, the term evolved in English to reflect a broader meaning associated with being thrifty or careless about spending resources. Initially, it might have referred more to the act of being frugal or avoiding excess, but as it became more commonly used, the connotation shifted toward implying negligence or a lack of thoroughness in various tasks.