What does scrumpy mean?
Scrumpy is an informal adjective for a person who is mean, stingy, or unwilling to share. It often suggests a miserly attitude toward money, but it can also imply harshness or lack of generosity toward other people. The word is especially associated with British English, although it is understood in American English too. A typical use describes someone as scrumpy when complaining about an unfairly small payment, an unwillingness to lend, or reluctance to help. Scrumpy is more pointed than simply bad-tempered: grumpy focuses on irritability, while scrumpy focuses on meanness or miserliness. It has a distinctly traditional informal flavor and can sound mildly humorous rather than severe. The adjective is especially useful in conversation, informal writing, and character descriptions, where it gives vivid expression to petty or miserly behavior without requiring the more neutral word miserly. Its memorable sound also creates a colorful impression of someone who grudgingly protects what they possess.
adjectiveMean, stingy, or miserly, especially in one's dealings with money or other people. It may also imply harshness or unwillingness to share.
- Mean or miserly, especially with money.
- Unkind, grasping, or unwilling to share with others.
"The landlord was scrumpy about repairing the broken heater."
"He was scrumpy with the money, counting every coin before handing any over."
"The old shopkeeper had a scrumpy attitude toward anyone who asked for a discount."
"Her scrumpy refusal to help surprised everyone."
Scrumpy is the delightfully blunt word for someone who treats every penny as though it were doing them a personal favor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of scrumpy
Scrumpy is attested from the eighteenth century and is generally derived from the obsolete English word scrump, meaning 'stingy' or 'mean'. Related forms such as scrimp and scrimpy have long been associated with short allowance, scarcity, or miserliness. The ultimate origin of scrump is uncertain, so claims for a precise source language should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How scrumpy is actually used
Informal and mildly derogatory, with a particularly traditional British flavor. It can sound teasingly comic rather than formally accusing and may seem old-fashioned in American English.
Easily confused with scrumpy
Grumpy primarily describes someone who is irritable or cross, whereas scrumpy more often emphasizes meanness, miserliness, or unwillingness to share.