Penny Pincher or Pitiful Cheapskate? The Skinny on Miserly Misadventures 💸
Ah, the phrase “to be miserly” or “to be a pinchpenny”—a timeless concept that dates back to about 1412. If someone is branded with this label, rest assured, it refers to their uncanny ability to be tight with a buck. This adjective for thriftiness is as old as the modern English language itself! The verb form is newer but still maintains its grip in modern conversations. Just revisit Elliott Paul’s Narrow Street (1942), where he wrote, “Monsieur Saul . . . complaining and pinching pennies as he made his purchases.”
Common Synonyms
- Penny-pincher
- Cheapskate
- Scrooge
- Tightwad
Antonyms
- Spendthrift
- Big Spender
- Generous
- Lavish
Humorous Quotes & Proverbs
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “Money won’t create success. The freedom to make it will.” – Nelson Mandela
- “Why is there so much month left at the end of the money?” – John Barrymore
Related Terms & Expressions
- Frugal: Economical in use or expenditure; wisely saving or sparing.
- Parsimonious: Unwilling to spend money or use resources.
- Thrifty: Careful and diligent in the use and expenditure of resources.
Fun Proverb
- “Cut your coat according to your cloth.” 🧥🪡
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Literature: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (think Ebenezer Scrooge)
- Book: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Song: “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
- Poetry: Robert Frost’s “Debt”
- Movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
### What does the phrase "penny-pincher" mean?
- [x] A person who is very frugal and reluctant to spend money
- [ ] Someone who collects pennies for fun
- [ ] A person who makes money from pinching pennies
- [ ] Someone who likes to collect rare coins
> **Explanation:** A "penny-pincher" is a miserly person who hates spending money and goes to great lengths to save it.
### Which of these books famously features a miserly character?
- [ ] *Pride and Prejudice*
- [x] *A Christmas Carol*
- [ ] *The Great Gatsby*
- [ ] *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*
> **Explanation:** Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol* features the iconic miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.
### True or False: Being a musophobic means one is scared of spending money.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Musophobic" means having a fear of mice, not frugality.
Until next time, be wise, not miserly, and may your wallet always be full enough to enjoy life’s quirks and twists.
Penny Thriftwise, 2023
