What does skinflint mean?
A skinflint is a person who is exceptionally stingy with money. The term suggests someone who saves or hoards money with great reluctance to spend it, even on necessities, hospitality, or generosity toward others. It is commonly used in informal and derogatory contexts and conveys a stronger judgment than the milder word “stingy.” “Miser” is a traditional synonym, while modern alternatives include “niggard,” “tightfisted,” and “penny-pincher.” “Skinflint” is now understood almost entirely in its figurative sense, although the word was formed from the ordinary nouns “skin” and “flint.” It is especially useful when the speaker intends to portray miserliness as a personal character flaw rather than merely cautious spending. In literature and journalism, the word gives such descriptions a memorable, slightly old-fashioned tone.
nounAn extremely stingy person who refuses to spend money, especially on themselves or others.
- A person who is miserly or extremely reluctant to spend money.
"His uncle is such a skinflint that he still uses the same razor blade until it becomes unusable."
"The company was known for hiring competent employees but paying them like skinflints."
"A famous skinflint left his fortune to a cat and left his relatives nothing."
The usual plural when referring to multiple people known for extreme stinginess.
"The two skinflints counted every coin before leaving the market."
The name literally combines “skin” and “flint,” an enduringly vivid label for someone who refuses to loosen the purse strings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skinflint come from?
The word dates from the late 16th century and was formed in English by combining “skin” with “flint.” Its meaning was already that of a miser or extremely stingy person. The compound belongs to a period when English frequently created vivid figurative names by joining familiar words, but the precise image behind the expression is not certain.
How skinflint is actually used
Generally informal and derogatory. It is stronger and more insulting than “stingy” and may imply a miserly unwillingness to help others.