Stiffed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
stiffed
[stษชft ]
Definitions
informal usage
To stiff someone means to cheat or to not pay them what is owed, often used in contexts of not tipping service workers or reneging on a financial obligation. This usage is common in conversations about financial dealings or social interactions where one party feels wronged. It reflects a breach of trust or expectation in a transactional relationship, typically leading to feelings of resentment.
Synonyms
cheated, defrauded, shortchanged, swindled.
Examples of usage
- He stiffed the waiter after a bad meal.
- Don't stiff your friends; they helped you out last time.
- She felt stiffed when her boss didn't give her the expected bonus.
physical description
To stiffen generally means to become rigid or firm. In a physical sense, it can describe the process by which a substance changes from a fluid state to a solid or more rigid form due to various factors like temperature changes or reactions. This term is often used in scientific contexts, as well as in everyday descriptions of muscle tension during stress or physical exertion.
Synonyms
firm, hardened, rigid, tensed.
Examples of usage
- The cold caused my muscles to stiffen.
- The gelatin will stiffen as it cools.
- He was so nervous that he stiffened up when speaking.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'stiffing someone' has appeared in various films and TV shows, especially in comedies where payment issues lead to humorous situations.
- In the realm of popular music, several songs reference feeling 'stiffed' by friends or lovers, highlighting feelings of betrayal.
Social Psychology
- Being 'stiffed' can lead to feelings of resentment and distrust, impacting future interactions with the person who did not fulfill their promise.
- Research indicates that people who frequently feel โstiffedโ may develop a protective mechanism against trusting others easily.
Legal Aspects
- Not paying for a service can lead to legal action known as 'breach of contract', where someone can be taken to court for stiffing another party.
- Tip-related stiffing can have serious consequences for service workers who rely on gratuities for their income.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, it is considered very rude to stiff someone, especially in situations involving hospitality, like attending a party without contributing.
- Various rituals in different societies emphasize reciprocity to avoid situations where someone might feel stiffed, reinforcing community bonds.
Origin of 'stiffed'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'stiffed' comes from 'stiff', which means rigid or hard, and refers to someone being unyielding in payment.
- The use of 'stiffed' as slang for not getting paid dates back to the 19th century, especially in American English.
The term 'stiffed' originates from the word 'stiff', which comes from Middle English 'stif', derived from Old Norse 'stรญfr', meaning rigid or difficult to bend. The transition into various informal uses likely evolved as English speakers adopted the term to describe situations where someone experiences a loss or is denied something rightfully theirs. The informal application of 'stiff' to mean not paying someone or to cheat someone may have appeared in American slang during the 20th century, illustrating a shift in language where words adapt new meanings based on social contexts and interactions. As this slang evolved, it reflected changing attitudes towards social obligations and fairness in financial transactions.