Cheapass

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

  1. A person who is extremely reluctant to spend money and attempts to save by avoiding costs wherever possible
  2. One who shows excessive frugality to the point of being ungenerous or overly sparing with their resources
  3. An individual characterized by a strong unwillingness to pay for things, often seeking the lowest possible expense

Etymology: The term "cheapass" is a colorful and informal adjective and noun that emerged in the late 20th century, likely in the 1980s. It is a playful blend of "cheap," which denotes low cost or a lack of value, and the colloquial suffix "-ass," which serves to intensify the preceding word. This construction conveys a sense of disdain or humor, often used to describe a person who is excessively frugal or miserly, to the point of being ridiculous. The first recorded usage of "cheapass" appears to be in the 1980s, although its exact origins remain somewhat elusive. It gained traction in American English, particularly within subcultures that embrace humor and irreverence. The term is often associated with a sense of camaraderie among friends, where calling someone a "cheapass" can be both playful and critical, highlighting their reluctance to spend money or their penchant for finding ways to avoid costs, even at the expense of experience or quality. Interestingly, the "-ass" suffix is a feature of English that has been used since at least the 19th century to lend emphasis or a derogatory tone to certain adjectives. It can be found in other playful compounds like "smartass" or "lazyass." The combination of "cheap" and this intensifying suffix creates a vivid image of someone who not only avoids spending but does so in a manner that can be both amusing and irritating to those around them. While the word is undeniably informal and often considered slang, it taps into broader themes of value and social behavior. In a culture that often prizes frugality and thriftiness, being labeled a "cheapass" can provoke both laughter and criticism, reflecting the complex attitudes people hold towards money and spending.

Synonyms: stingy, miserly, tightfisted, frugal, parsimonious

Antonyms: generous, lavish, extravagant, giving, magnanimous