Stingy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
stingy
[หstษชndสi ]
Definitions
in personal finance
Unwilling to give or spend money; not generous.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stingy |
Describes someone who is unwilling to spend money or share resources even if they have plenty. It is often used in everyday conversation.
|
| tightfisted |
Informal term for someone who is very unwilling to spend money. It has a slightly humorous or critical tone.
|
| miserly |
Typically describes someone who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible, often to the point of living in hardship. The term often has a formal or literary tone.
|
| greedy |
Refers to someone who has an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. It often implies a moral judgment and negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was known for being stingy when it came to tipping.
- My boss is so stingy, he won't even buy us coffee for the office.
- She's too stingy to donate to charity.
in general behavior
Reluctant to give or spend; not generous in nature.
Synonyms
parsimonious, selfish, uncharitable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stingy |
To describe someone who is unwilling to spend money or share resources, often in everyday situations or casual conversations. It carries a negative connotation.
|
| selfish |
To describe someone who acts in their own self-interest without regard for others. This can be used in both casual and formal contexts and has a negative connotation.
|
| uncharitable |
To describe someone who lacks generosity or kindness towards others, often in moral or ethical discussions. It implies a negative moral judgment.
|
| parsimonious |
To describe someone who is extremely frugal or economical, often in a formal or literary context. It suggests an excessive degree of frugality.
|
Examples of usage
- He's too stingy to share his resources with others.
- Don't be so stingy with your compliments, share some positivity!
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'stingy' comes from the Old English word 'sting', which means to prick or pierce, reflecting the sharpness of being miserly.
- It is related to the concept of someone 'stinging' when they refuse to give away their resources, much like being hurt by someone else's actions.
- The first known use of 'stingy' in the English language dates back to the early 18th century.
Psychology
- People who are often stingy might have an underlying fear of loss or insecurity about their financial situation.
- Research suggests that those who frequently exhibit stingy behavior may struggle with forming connections, as sharing promotes trust and bonding.
- Stingy behavior can sometimes be linked to cultural values where frugality is celebrated or where showing wealth is frowned upon.
Literature
- Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most famous portrayals of a stingy person, demonstrating how tightness can lead to isolation.
- In Aesop's fables, stingy characters often face consequences, teaching moral lessons about generosity and community.
- Stinginess is often depicted negatively in literature, symbolizing greed and the lack of empathy, which can lead to character downfall.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, stingy characters often serve as comedic foils, highlighting the absurdity of their behavior in contrast to more generous characters.
- Reality television shows often depict 'stingy' contestants who refuse to spend money on luxuries, leading to viewer disdain and dramatic conflict.
- The concept of being stingy has led to the popularity of terms like 'cheap' or 'tightwad' which often surface in humorous contexts.
Economics
- Research shows that stingy consumers tend to prioritize saving over spending, which can influence economic trends and market behaviors.
- Stinginess can also be viewed from a macroeconomic perspective where consumers tightening their budgets can lead to recessions.
- Conversely, economic theories suggest that a little stinginess in personal finances can promote long-term saving habits, which is generally seen as positive for financial stability.
Translations
Translations of the word "stingy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mesquinho
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช geizig
๐ฎ๐ฉ pelit
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบัะฟะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ skฤ py
๐ฏ๐ต ใใกใช (kechina)
๐ซ๐ท avare
๐ช๐ธ tacaรฑo
๐น๐ท cimri
๐ฐ๐ท ์ธ์ํ (insaekan)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุฎูู
๐จ๐ฟ lakomรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ lakomรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฌ (lรฌnsรจ)
๐ธ๐ฎ skop
๐ฎ๐ธ nรญski
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐัะฐาฃ
๐ฌ๐ช แซแฃแแฌแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ xษsis
๐ฒ๐ฝ tacaรฑo