Being frugal doesn’t have to be boring! In fact, there’s a whole world of slang dedicated to describing those who are savvy with their spending. Whether you’re a penny-pincher or just looking to save a few bucks, our team has put together a list of the top slang terms for being cheap that will have you laughing and nodding in agreement. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the humorous side of saving money!
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Thrifty
Someone who is careful with their money and spends it wisely. A thrifty person is resourceful and looks for ways to save money without sacrificing quality.
- For example, “She’s always shopping at thrift stores and finding great deals. She’s really thrifty.”
- A person might say, “I’m trying to be more thrifty and save money by cooking at home instead of eating out.”
- Another might compliment someone by saying, “You’re so thrifty, you always find the best deals!”
2. Budget-conscious
A term used to describe someone who is mindful of their spending and makes an effort to stick to a budget. Being budget-conscious means being aware of one’s financial situation and making decisions accordingly.
- For instance, “She’s very budget-conscious and always tracks her expenses.”
- A person might say, “I need to be more budget-conscious and cut back on unnecessary expenses.”
- Another might suggest, “Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. It’s about making smart choices with your money.”
3. Money-grubber
A derogatory term used to describe someone who is excessively focused on acquiring money and is willing to do anything to get it. A money-grubber is often seen as selfish and lacking in moral values.
- For example, “He’s such a money-grubber. He would sell his own mother for a profit.”
- A person might say, “I don’t trust him. He’s always trying to take advantage of others for his own financial gain.”
- Another might warn, “Beware of money-grubbers who only care about their own wealth and don’t value relationships.”
4. Bargain hunter
Someone who actively looks for discounts, sales, and good deals in order to save money. A bargain hunter enjoys the thrill of finding a great deal and takes pride in their ability to get the most value for their money.
- For instance, “She’s a skilled bargain hunter. She never pays full price for anything.”
- A person might say, “I love being a bargain hunter. It’s like a treasure hunt for savings.”
- Another might share a tip, “If you want to be a successful bargain hunter, always compare prices and wait for sales.”
5. Scrimper
A person who is extremely frugal and avoids spending money whenever possible. A scrimper is often willing to make sacrifices and cut corners in order to save even small amounts of money.
- For example, “He’s such a scrimper. He never buys anything unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
- A person might say, “I need to be more of a scrimper and stop wasting money on things I don’t need.”
- Another might joke, “I’m a scrimper to the core. I even reuse tea bags to save a few cents!”
6. Scrimp
This slang term refers to the act of being extremely frugal or thrifty in order to save money. It implies being careful with spending and finding ways to cut costs.
- For example, “I’m trying to scrimp on groceries this month by buying generic brands.”
- A person might say, “I scrimp on utilities by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use.”
- Another might mention, “I scrimp on entertainment by using streaming services instead of going to the movies.”
7. Hoarder
While this term is commonly associated with someone who keeps a large amount of items, it can also be used to describe someone who is excessively frugal or cheap. It implies a reluctance to spend money and a desire to hold onto possessions.
- For instance, “My uncle is such a hoarder, he never throws anything away.”
- A person might say, “I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to clothes. I hate buying new ones.”
- Another might mention, “My friend is a hoarder of coupons. She always finds a way to get discounts.”
8. Penny-wise
This slang term refers to someone who is wise and careful with their money. It implies being frugal and making smart financial choices in order to save and avoid unnecessary expenses.
- For example, “She’s penny-wise and always manages to find the best deals.”
- A person might say, “I try to be penny-wise by researching prices and comparing before making a purchase.”
- Another might mention, “Being penny-wise has helped me save a lot of money over the years.”
9. Tight-lipped
This slang term refers to someone who is unwilling to part with their money or spend it freely. It implies being tightfisted or stingy when it comes to financial matters.
- For instance, “He’s tight-lipped when it comes to treating others to dinner.”
- A person might say, “I’m tight-lipped with my money because I want to save for the future.”
- Another might mention, “Being tight-lipped has helped me build up my savings.”
10. Budget-friendly
This term refers to something that is reasonably priced and fits within a person’s budget. It implies being cost-effective and not overly expensive.
- For example, “This hotel is budget-friendly and perfect for travelers on a tight budget.”
- A person might say, “I love shopping at that store because they have a lot of budget-friendly options.”
- Another might mention, “I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly recipes that don’t break the bank.”
11. Economical
This term refers to being careful and efficient with money or resources. It implies making wise and practical choices to save money.
- For example, “She shops at thrift stores and buys generic brands to be economical.”
- A person discussing budgeting might say, “Being economical means cutting back on unnecessary expenses.”
- Someone might compliment a friend’s frugality by saying, “You’re so economical, always finding the best deals.”
12. Money-conscious
This term describes someone who is aware of their financial situation and makes conscious decisions to manage their money effectively.
- For instance, “He always looks for sales and discounts because he’s money-conscious.”
- A person discussing personal finance might say, “Being money-conscious means prioritizing saving and investing.”
- Someone might admire a friend’s money-consciousness by saying, “You’re so budget-minded, always thinking ahead.”
13. Penny-wise and pound-foolish
This phrase describes someone who is careful and frugal in small matters but is wasteful or extravagant in larger ones. It suggests that focusing too much on saving small amounts of money can lead to bigger financial mistakes.
- For example, “He saved money by buying a cheap car, but it ended up costing him more in repairs. That’s being penny-wise and pound-foolish.”
- A person discussing financial planning might say, “It’s important to look at the big picture and not be penny-wise and pound-foolish.”
- Someone might caution a friend against making impulsive purchases by saying, “Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish, think about the long-term consequences.”
14. Scrooge-like
This term refers to being extremely unwilling to spend money or give things away. It is derived from the character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol,” who is famously known for his miserly behavior.
- For instance, “He never treats anyone to dinner. He’s so Scrooge-like.”
- A person discussing someone’s frugality might say, “She’s Scrooge-like when it comes to spending money.”
- Someone might tease a friend for being stingy by saying, “Don’t be Scrooge-like, share the wealth once in a while.”
15. Money-saving
This term refers to the act of reducing expenses or finding ways to save money. It implies taking measures to spend less and keep more money in one’s pocket.
- For example, “She practices money-saving techniques like couponing and buying in bulk.”
- A person discussing personal finance might say, “Cost-cutting is an essential skill for achieving financial goals.”
- Someone might share a money-saving tip by saying, “Try cost-cutting strategies like meal prepping to save on food expenses.”
16. Tightfisted
This term refers to someone who is unwilling to spend money or is overly frugal. It suggests that the person holds onto their money tightly and is hesitant to part with it.
- For example, “He’s so tightfisted, he won’t even buy a cup of coffee.”
- In a conversation about splitting the bill, someone might say, “Don’t expect him to chip in much, he’s tightfisted.”
- A friend might jokingly comment, “You’re so tightfisted, you make Scrooge look generous.”
17. Scrimping
This word describes the act of cutting back on expenses or being frugal in order to save money. It implies that the person is making an effort to be economical and reduce their spending.
- For instance, “I’ve been scrimping on eating out to save up for a vacation.”
- In a discussion about budgeting, someone might say, “Scrimping on unnecessary expenses can help you reach your financial goals.”
- A person might advise, “If you’re scrimping on groceries, try buying generic brands to save money.”
18. Tight
This slang term means to be careful with money and avoid unnecessary spending. It suggests that the person is conscious of their finances and tries to make the most of their resources.
- For example, “I’m on a tight budget this month, so I can’t go out for dinner.”
- In a conversation about shopping, someone might say, “I found a tight deal on these shoes, they were 50% off.”
- A friend might compliment, “You’re really tight with your money, it’s impressive how you manage to save.”
19. El Cheapo
This slang term is used to describe someone who is extremely frugal or unwilling to spend money. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way to tease someone about their reluctance to spend.
- For instance, “He’s such an El Cheapo, he never pays for anything.”
- In a discussion about splitting expenses, someone might say, “Don’t expect him to contribute much, he’s El Cheapo.”
- A friend might joke, “You’re always looking for the cheapest option, El Cheapo strikes again.”
20. Bargain-hunter
This term refers to someone who actively looks for discounts, sales, or good deals in order to save money. It implies that the person enjoys the process of finding bargains and takes pride in their ability to score a good deal.
- For example, “She’s a skilled bargain-hunter, she always finds the best prices.”
- In a conversation about shopping, someone might say, “I’m a bargain-hunter, I never buy anything at full price.”
- A person might share, “I love being a bargain-hunter, it’s like a treasure hunt for savings.”