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Tightfisted

/ˈtaɪtˌfɪstɪd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Reluctant to part with money; miserly.

Despite his wealth, he was known for being tightfisted, rarely donating to charity.

Stingy or unwilling to spend money.

Her tightfisted attitude made it difficult for her friends to suggest going out to eat.

Not generous or liberal in giving; frugal.

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

penny pincher

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

cheapskate

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