Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stingy or miserly person: A "niggard" is a person who is extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources; a penny-pincher or skinflint.
   • A selfishly withholding person: It can also describe someone who is reluctant to give or share anything, not just money, such as time, affection, or praise.

Usage

• The word "niggard" is a formal and somewhat archaic term. It is used to criticize someone for being excessively frugal or mean. It is important to note that this word is etymologically unrelated to any racial epithet, though its phonetic similarity requires careful and clear enunciation to avoid misunderstanding. It is primarily found in literary contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old niggard refused to donate even a single coin to charity.
  • He was such a niggard with compliments that his praise felt like a rare treasure.

Advanced Usage

• "niggard of": This construction is used to specify what someone is stingy with.
  • She was a niggard of her time, never willing to help others.
  • He is a niggard of praise, always focusing on criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Niggardly (adjective): Stingy, miserly.
  • His niggardly tips were notorious among the waitstaff.
• Niggardliness (noun): The quality of being niggardly; extreme stinginess.
  • The niggardliness of the landlord was evident in the poorly maintained building.

Synonyms

• Miser: A person who hoards wealth and spends as little as possible.
• Skinflint: A person who is excessively unwilling to spend money.
• Scrooge: A person who is miserly (from the Charles Dickens character).
• Cheapskate (informal): A person who is unwilling to spend money.

Antonyms

• Spendthrift: A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
• Philanthropist: A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money.
• Generous person: Someone who is freely giving or sharing.

Notes on Usage and Etymology

• Etymology: The word "niggard" dates to the 14th century and is of Scandinavian origin, related to the Old Norse ("stingy"). It is unrelated to the Latin-derived word for the color black ().
• Modern Sensitivity: Due to its phonetic resemblance to a deeply offensive racial slur, the word "niggard" and especially "niggardly" are often avoided in modern spoken English to prevent any potential misunderstanding or offense, despite their distinct meanings and origins. Its use is largely confined to formal writing or historical/literary discussion.

Noun

1. a selfish person who is unwilling to give or spend