What does cheap mean?
"Cheap" is one of the most frequently used words in English for describing price, meaning that something costs little money. Its sense has broadened beyond simple affordability to carry strong overtones of quality and character: a "cheap watch" may break quickly, a "cheap shot" is an unfair remark, and calling someone "cheap" suggests stinginess rather than thrift. Because of these negative associations, writers often reach for neutral alternatives such as "inexpensive" or "affordable" when no criticism is intended. The word also appears in fixed expressions like "dirt cheap," "on the cheap," and "cheap thrills." Interestingly, its history runs in the opposite direction to its modern meaning — in Old English, "cēap" meant trade or a bargain itself, which is why London's famous market street is called Cheapside. Few words capture so neatly how attitudes toward money and value shape language.
Low in price; inexpensive, especially with a suggestion of poor quality.
"They found a cheap hotel just outside the old town."
Can imply inferior quality; use "inexpensive" or "affordable" for a neutral tone.
(Of a person) Unwilling to spend money; stingy. Informal.
"He's too cheap to tip the waiter."
Informal and mildly critical.
At a low price. Informal, chiefly used in phrases like "get something on the cheap" or "buy cheap and sell dear."
"You can travel around the region quite cheap if you book early."
Standard form is "cheaply"; bare "cheap" as an adverb is informal but well established.
"Cheap" once meant the opposite of what it does today: in Old English, "cēap" meant a bargain or trade itself — London's Cheapside was literally named for its bustling market.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cheap
"Cheap" derives from Old English "cēap," meaning purchase, bargain, or trade, which came through Proto-Germanic from Latin "caupō," meaning a small trader or innkeeper. In Middle English, the word still referred to buying and selling — hence Cheapside, London's historic market street — before shifting to describe things that could be bought at a good price, and eventually things simply of low price. Related words from the same root include "chaffer" (to haggle) and the archaic "chapman" (a peddler).
Word family
Usage notes
"Cheap" often carries a negative connotation of shoddy quality or meanness, whereas "inexpensive" or "affordable" are more neutral ways to say something costs little. As an adverb ("traveling on the cheap"), it is informal. In British English, "cheap at half the price" is a common ironic phrase meaning something is very good value.
Don't confuse with
"Cheep" is the faint chirping sound a young bird makes, while "cheap" refers to low cost or shoddy quality.