Scrooges

Scrooges refers to individuals characterized by extreme stinginess, miserliness, and a reluctance to spend money, often at the expense of their own comfort or the happiness of others. They are famously associated with the fictional character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' *A Christmas Carol*, a quintessential symbol of greed and a lack of generosity. The term encompasses those who hoard wealth, prioritize financial gain above all else, and often exhibit a cold and unsympathetic demeanor towards others' needs or desires, often exhibiting a parsimonious attitude and behaving in a miserly fashion towards those around them.

Scrooges meaning with examples

• The family dreaded Christmas because their uncle, a notorious Scrooge, always gave the most meager gifts. He'd calculate the cost of every decoration and scoff at anything remotely extravagant, insisting on re-using old tinsel. His generosity was non-existent, and he considered spending any money a personal affront, creating a tense and awkward holiday atmosphere every year.
• Despite his immense wealth, the old businessman was known as a Scrooge, living in a sparsely furnished apartment and eating only the cheapest foods. He meticulously tracked every penny spent, refusing to donate to charity or help his struggling relatives. His miserly lifestyle surprised his colleagues, but this behavior was his norm for his entire life.
• After the stock market crashed, the previously generous philanthropist transformed into a Scrooge, drastically cutting back on his donations and laying off employees. He began to view every expense as a threat, focusing solely on preserving what he had. The sudden change made his once-loyal staff bitter, and this situation made the organization vulnerable.
• The shop owner was considered a Scrooge by many, complaining loudly when customers made returns and often refusing to refund money even when goods were faulty. He prioritized profit over customer satisfaction, creating a negative reputation that drove away many potential customers. This stingy behavior and penny-pinching practices eventually led to a drop in sales.
• The city council, often portrayed as scrooges, consistently voted against funding for public programs like libraries and parks. Their tightfisted approach, driven by a fear of tax increases, left the community with dilapidated facilities and limited opportunities for recreation. The residents' quality of life suffered as their limited budget negatively impacted the communities infrastructure and the overall well-being of the public.