pinchpenny
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɪnʧˌpɛni/
KK: /ˈpɪnʧˌpɛni/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone who is very careful about spending money and often unwilling to spend it, even when it is necessary.
Example
He is such a pinchpenny that he refuses to buy new clothes, even when his are worn out.
Conversation
I can't believe how pinchpenny some people can be about spending money.
Right? It's like they think saving a few bucks is worth the hassle.
Exactly! I'd rather just spend a little more for better quality.
Me too, life is too short to be so pinchpenny about everything.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stingy
frugal
miserly
Antonyms
generous
lavish
extravagant
noun
Definition
A person who is very careful about spending money and tries to save as much as possible, often to the point of being stingy.
Example
My uncle is such a pinchpenny that he refuses to buy new clothes even when his are worn out.
Conversation
I can't believe how much he saved on that trip.
Yeah, he's such a pinchpenny sometimes.
I guess it works for him, but it can be a bit annoying.
Root Explanation
Pinchpenny is formed from "pinch" (from Old English "pyngan", meaning to squeeze or compress) and "penny" (from Old English "pening", meaning a coin or money). The term describes someone who is excessively frugal or stingy, as if they are squeezing every penny they have.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'squeezes' ('pinch') their money ('penny') tightly, which helps you remember that a pinchpenny is a person who is very stingy with their money.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.