piker
Definition
- Noun:
- A cautious gambler: "piker" refers to a person who gambles in a very careful, hesitant manner, avoiding large risks. This is the original meaning, especially in American slang.
- A stingy or unambitious person: More broadly, "piker" describes someone who is reluctant to spend money, take chances, or commit fully to an endeavor. It implies a lack of boldness or generosity.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He's such a piker at the poker table; he only bets small amounts. (A cautious gambler who avoids large risks.)
- Don't be a piker — buy a round of drinks for everyone! (A stingy person who is reluctant to spend money.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a piker": to act in a timid or ungenerous manner.
- Compared to his brother's lavish donations, he's a real piker. (He is much less generous or ambitious.)
- "piker's bet": a very small, cautious wager.
- She placed a piker's bet on the horse, just a dollar. (A minimal and safe gamble.)
Variants and Related Words
- Pikerism (n): the behavior or attitude of a piker; cautiousness or stinginess.
- His pikerism annoyed the group, as he never contributed to shared expenses. (His stingy behavior.)
Synonyms
- Cheapskate: a person who is unwilling to spend money.
- Wimp: a timid or unassertive person (informal).
- Miser: someone who hoards money and spends very little.
Phrasal Verbs
- Pike out (dated slang): to withdraw from a commitment or bet due to fear or stinginess.
- He piked out of the bet at the last second. (He backed out cautiously.)
Related Idioms
- "Play it safe": to avoid taking risks, similar to a piker's approach.
- He always plays it safe, like a piker. (He is overly cautious.)
- "Penny-pincher": someone who is extremely frugal, akin to a piker.
- She's a penny-pincher, always looking for the cheapest option. (A stingy person.)