skinflint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “skinflint” mean?
A person who is extremely unwilling to spend money.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is extremely unwilling to spend money; a miser.
Someone who is excessively frugal to the point of being stingy, often at the expense of others' comfort or basic needs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood and used in both varieties, but is somewhat old-fashioned. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but overall low frequency in modern speech in both regions. More likely found in literature or humorous contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “skinflint” in a Sentence
[be] a skinflint[be] such a skinflint[call someone] a skinflintVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business contexts. Might be used informally to describe a notoriously frugal manager or client.
Academic
Virtually never used in academic writing.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often humorously or critically, to describe someone's stingy behaviour.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skinflint”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skinflint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skinflint”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is very skinflint' – incorrect; should be 'He is a skinflint' or 'He is very stingy').
- Spelling as two words: 'skin flint'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is critical and insulting, implying selfish stinginess. Use with caution, typically in informal contexts.
It originates from the late 17th century, based on the idea of someone so miserly they would 'skin' (cheat) a 'flint' (a hard stone), i.e., try to get something from nothing.
No, it is only a noun. The adjective forms are 'stingy', 'miserly', or 'tight-fisted'.
It is understood but somewhat old-fashioned. Words like 'cheapskate' or 'tightwad' are more common in casual modern speech.
A person who is extremely unwilling to spend money.
Skinflint is usually informal, slightly dated in register.
Skinflint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɪnflɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɪnflɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tight as a drum”
- “wouldn't give you the time of day”
- “penny-wise and pound-foolish”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone so stingy they would try to 'flint' (strike a spark from) their own 'skin' to avoid buying matches.
Conceptual Metaphor
STINGINESS IS A PHYSICAL DEFECT (a flaw in one's skin/nature).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'skinflint'?