Meaning & Definition of word "Tightfisted"

Tightfisted

/ˈtaɪtˌfɪstɪd/

adjective:

  • 1. Reluctant to part with money; miserly.
    • Example: Despite his wealth, he was known for being tightfisted, rarely donating to charity.
  • 2. Stingy or unwilling to spend money.
    • Example: Her tightfisted attitude made it difficult for her friends to suggest going out to eat.
  • 3. Not generous or liberal in giving; frugal.
    • Example: The tightfisted manager refused to approve any budget increases for employee events.

Etymology

The term 'tightfisted' combines 'tight', meaning secure or unwilling to let go, with 'fisted', referring to a hand making a fist, suggesting a grasping nature.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tighten one's belt:

to spend less money due to financial constraints

penny-pinching:

the practice of being very careful about spending money

counting pennies:

becoming excessively frugal or careful about small expenditures

Related Words

miser:

a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible

stinginess:

the quality of being unwilling to spend money

cheapskate:

a person who is stingy or unwilling to spend money

Slang Meanings of tightfisted

Meaning: penny pincher

Example Sentence: He's such a penny pincher that he won't even buy a round of drinks.

Meaning: cheapskate

Example Sentence: Don't be a cheapskate; sometimes you have to spend money to enjoy life.