Skimper
A 'skimper' is a person who attempts to save money, resources, or effort by being excessively frugal or withholding what is necessary or expected. This behavior can manifest in various ways, from minimizing expenses on personal items to neglecting responsibilities or providing inadequate amounts of something. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of generosity, conscientiousness, or commitment to a task or situation. A skimper might prioritize short-term gains over long-term consequences, leading to resentment or poor outcomes. The behavior can manifest in any situation.
Skimper meaning with examples
- The company's new CEO was known as a skimper, constantly slashing budgets and cutting employee benefits to boost profits. He invested in cheap equipment and understaffed departments. While the company showed initial gains, morale plummeted, leading to reduced productivity and ultimately, lower quality products. The employees saw him as exploitative and resented his penny-pinching ways.
- As a student, she was a skimper when it came to groceries, surviving on instant noodles and the cheapest cuts of meat. Although she saved money, she suffered from poor nutrition and fatigue, impacting her ability to concentrate on her studies. Her friends frequently treated her to meals as a result, but she disliked asking for handouts. She wanted to be self-sufficient, a trait many skimpers possess.
- He was a skimper with his time, always rushing through tasks and taking shortcuts. He’d avoid answering questions fully, making hasty decisions that cost money later. His colleagues found him unreliable and difficult to work with. Although he seemed efficient on the surface, his lack of attention to detail frequently led to errors and rework, ultimately diminishing his value.
- The homeowner was a skimper when it came to home repairs, delaying necessary maintenance in order to save money, thus eventually costing more. He ignored warnings and kept postponing until the problem grew worse and more costly to fix. The neglect led to more damage, creating bigger bills. Eventually, the accumulated issues required a significant and expensive renovation.
