What does niggery mean?
Niggery refers to a quality of being miserly or stingy, especially in a way that is considered annoying or petty. This behavior can take many forms, from being frugal with change to being stingy with resources. Niggery is often used to describe behavior that is considered petty or annoying, but it can also imply a deeper sense of miserliness or stinginess. It is often used in informal contexts, but can also be used in more formal writing to add nuance or depth to a description. The word has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has been used in a variety of contexts, from literature to everyday conversation. Despite its negative connotations, niggery can also be used to describe behavior that is considered admirable or praiseworthy, such as being frugal or responsible with resources. Overall, niggery is a complex and multifaceted word that can be used in a variety of ways to add depth and nuance to a description.
nounA quality of being miserly or stingy, especially in a way that is considered annoying or petty.
- A quality of being miserly or stingy, especially in a way that is considered annoying or petty.
"Her niggery with the change was really getting on my nerves."
"Her niggery with the change was really getting on my nerves."
"The company's niggery with employee benefits was a major turn-off for job applicants."
The plural form of niggery is used to describe multiple instances of miserly or stingy behavior.
"The company's niggeries with employee benefits were a major turn-off for job applicants."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of niggery
The word niggery is derived from the Middle English word 'niggen', which means 'to be stingy or miserly'. This word is thought to have originated from the Old English word 'nigian', which means 'to be narrow or stingy'. The word has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has been used in a variety of contexts, from literature to everyday conversation.
How niggery is actually used
Niggery is often used to describe behavior that is considered petty or annoying, but it can also imply a deeper sense of miserliness or stinginess. It is often used in informal contexts, but can also be used in more formal writing to add nuance or depth to a description.