Top 30 Slang For Cheap Person – Meaning & Usage

We all have that friend who knows how to stretch a dollar and always finds a way to score a deal. Whether they’re a master at couponing or have a knack for finding freebies, we can’t help but admire their frugality. In this listicle, we’ve gathered the top slang terms for a cheap person, so you can learn the lingo and maybe even pick up a few money-saving tips along the way. Get ready to become the ultimate penny-pincher!

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1. Frugal

This term refers to a person who is careful with their money and spends it wisely. Being frugal means making smart financial decisions and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

For example, someone might say, “I’m trying to be more frugal by packing my lunch instead of eating out.”
A person discussing budgeting might mention, “Being frugal is an important part of saving money and reaching financial goals.”
Another might say, “Frugal people often prioritize experiences over material possessions.”

2. Thrifty

This term describes someone who is skilled at making the most out of their resources and finding ways to save money. Thrifty individuals are creative and practical when it comes to managing their finances.

For instance, someone might say, “She’s so thrifty, she can turn any household item into something useful.”
A person discussing DIY projects might mention, “Being thrifty can lead to some amazing upcycling ideas.”
Another might say, “Thrifty people know how to find the best deals and save money without sacrificing quality.”

3. Economical

This term refers to someone who is mindful of the cost of things and makes decisions that provide the best value for their money. Being economical means finding ways to save money and avoid wasteful spending.

For example, someone might say, “Buying in bulk is an economical way to save money on groceries.”
A person discussing energy conservation might mention, “Using energy-efficient appliances is an economical choice.”
Another might say, “Being economical doesn’t mean being cheap; it means being smart with your finances.”

4. Niggardly

This term describes someone who is excessively unwilling to spend money or share their resources. Being niggardly means being overly cautious with money and often unwilling to be generous.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s so niggardly, he never picks up the tab.”
A person discussing a stingy friend might mention, “It’s frustrating to hang out with someone who’s always niggardly.”
Another might say, “Being niggardly can strain relationships and make others feel unvalued.”

5. Cheap

This term refers to someone who is unwilling to spend money, often opting for the lowest-cost option. Being cheap means prioritizing saving money over other considerations, such as quality or value.

For example, someone might say, “He’s too cheap to buy a new phone, so he’s still using an outdated model.”
A person discussing a cheap restaurant might mention, “The food is inexpensive, but the quality is lacking.”
Another might say, “Being cheap can sometimes backfire, as you get what you pay for.”

6. Penny-pincher

A penny-pincher is someone who is extremely frugal and reluctant to spend money. They are known for their thrifty habits and tendency to save every penny they can.

For example, “My grandfather is a real penny-pincher. He never buys anything that isn’t on sale.”
A friend might jokingly say, “You’re such a penny-pincher, you’d rather walk 10 miles than pay for a taxi.”
Someone might describe themselves as a penny-pincher and say, “I always bring my own lunch to work to save money.”

7. Skinflint

A skinflint is someone who is excessively stingy and unwilling to spend money, even when necessary. They are known for their tightfisted nature and reluctance to part with their money.

For instance, “My neighbor is a real skinflint. He never contributes to community events.”
A person might complain, “My boss is such a skinflint. He never approves any budget for office supplies.”
Someone might describe themselves as a skinflint and say, “I never go out to eat. I’m a total skinflint when it comes to dining out.”

8. Tightfisted

A tightfisted person is someone who is unwilling to spend money, even when necessary or reasonable. They are known for their reluctance to part with their money and tendency to be overly frugal.

For example, “My aunt is tightfisted. She never buys anything unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
A person might complain, “My roommate is so tightfisted. He never chips in for groceries.”
Someone might describe themselves as tightfisted and say, “I always look for the cheapest option. I’m tightfisted when it comes to spending.”

9. Pinchpenny

A pinchpenny is an individual who is extremely stingy and unwilling to spend money, even on necessary items. They are known for their tightfisted nature and tendency to pinch every penny.

For instance, “My boss is a real pinchpenny. He never approves any expenses.”
A person might complain, “My friend is such a pinchpenny. He always asks for money but never pays back.”
Someone might describe themselves as a pinchpenny and say, “I always negotiate for the lowest price. I’m a total pinchpenny when it comes to shopping.”

10. Scrimp

To scrimp means to save money by cutting back on expenses or being frugal. It involves making sacrifices and finding ways to spend less in order to save money.

For example, “I’m trying to scrimp on groceries this month by buying generic brands.”
A person might say, “I scrimp on electricity by turning off lights when I’m not using them.”
Someone might describe themselves as a scrimper and say, “I scrimp on eating out so I can save money for travel.”

11. Penny-wise

This term refers to someone who is wise or careful with their money and spends it wisely. It suggests that the person is mindful of their expenses and tries to save money whenever possible.

For example, “She’s penny-wise and always looks for deals before making a purchase.”
In a discussion about personal finance, someone might say, “Being penny-wise is an important trait for building wealth.”
A person might describe themselves as penny-wise by saying, “I always compare prices and look for discounts before buying anything.”

12. Budget-conscious

This term describes someone who is conscious or aware of their budget and makes decisions accordingly. It suggests that the person is careful with their spending and avoids unnecessary expenses.

For instance, “She’s budget-conscious and always sticks to her monthly spending limit.”
In a conversation about financial planning, someone might say, “Being budget-conscious is key to achieving your financial goals.”
A person might describe their shopping habits by saying, “I’m budget-conscious and always look for the best value for my money.”

13. Money-conscious

This term refers to someone who is conscious or aware of their money and makes decisions accordingly. It suggests that the person pays attention to their finances and tries to make smart choices when it comes to spending.

For example, “He’s money-conscious and always tracks his expenses to avoid overspending.”
In a discussion about financial literacy, someone might say, “Being money-conscious is an important skill for managing your finances.”
A person might describe their saving habits by saying, “I’m money-conscious and always think twice before making a big purchase.”

14. Frugalista

This term combines the words “frugal” and “fashionista” to describe someone who is fashionable or stylish while still being frugal or thrifty. It suggests that the person knows how to find great deals and save money without sacrificing their sense of style.

For instance, “She’s a frugalista and always looks fabulous without breaking the bank.”
In a conversation about budget-friendly fashion, someone might say, “Being a frugalista is all about finding stylish pieces at affordable prices.”
A person might describe their shopping strategy by saying, “I’m a frugalista and love finding designer items on sale.”

15. Bargain-hunter

This term describes someone who actively seeks out bargains or deals when shopping. It suggests that the person enjoys finding discounts and takes pride in getting the best possible price for their purchases.

For example, “She’s a bargain-hunter and always knows where to find the best sales.”
In a discussion about saving money, someone might say, “Being a bargain-hunter can help you stretch your budget.”
A person might describe their shopping habits by saying, “I’m a bargain-hunter and love the thrill of finding a great deal.”

16. Money-saver

This term refers to someone who is careful with their spending and always looking for ways to save money. A money-saver is someone who seeks out deals, discounts, and bargains to stretch their budget.

For example, a money-saver might say, “I always clip coupons and wait for sales before making a purchase.”
In a conversation about budgeting, someone might mention, “Being a money-saver is all about making smart financial choices.”
A person might compliment their friend by saying, “You’re such a money-saver! You always find the best deals.”

17. Tight-budgeter

This term describes someone who carefully manages their expenses due to limited financial resources. A tight-budgeter is someone who is always on the lookout for discounts and deals to make their money go further.

For instance, a tight-budgeter might say, “I can’t afford to eat out often, so I always cook at home.”
In a discussion about saving money, someone might mention, “Being a tight-budgeter means prioritizing needs over wants.”
A person might praise their sibling by saying, “My sister is a real tight-budgeter. She knows how to stretch a dollar.”

18. Frugalicious

This term combines “frugal” and “delicious” to describe someone who is both thrifty and enjoys the process of finding good deals. A frugalicious person is someone who knows how to make the most of their money without sacrificing quality or enjoyment.

For example, a frugalicious person might say, “I love finding high-quality items at discounted prices.”
In a conversation about budgeting, someone might mention, “Being frugalicious means being resourceful and creative with your spending.”
A person might admire their friend by saying, “She’s so frugalicious. She always knows how to get the best value for her money.”

19. Discount-savvy

This term describes someone who has a knack for finding and taking advantage of discounts. A discount-savvy person is someone who is knowledgeable about sales, coupons, and other money-saving opportunities.

For instance, a discount-savvy person might say, “I never pay full price for anything. I always find a discount.”
In a discussion about shopping strategies, someone might mention, “Being discount-savvy means staying informed about sales and promotions.”
A person might compliment their coworker by saying, “He’s so discount-savvy. He always knows where to find the best deals.”

20. Value-conscious

This term refers to someone who considers the value and quality of a product or service before making a purchase. A value-conscious person is someone who looks beyond the price tag and evaluates the overall worth of an item.

For example, a value-conscious person might say, “I’d rather spend a little more on something that will last longer.”
In a conversation about consumer choices, someone might mention, “Being value-conscious means making informed decisions based on long-term benefits.”
A person might praise their partner by saying, “She’s so value-conscious. She always knows how to find the best value for our money.”

21. Cost-conscious

This term refers to someone who is mindful of their expenses and makes an effort to save money. A cost-conscious person carefully considers their purchases and looks for ways to cut costs.

For example, a cost-conscious individual might say, “I always compare prices before making a purchase.”
In a discussion about saving money, someone might mention, “Being cost-conscious is essential for building wealth.”
A person might compliment someone’s money-saving habits by saying, “You’re so cost-conscious, you always find the best deals!”

22. Penny-wise, pound-foolish

This phrase describes someone who is careful with small amounts of money but is wasteful or careless with larger amounts. It suggests that focusing on small savings can lead to bigger financial losses in the long run.

For instance, if someone always buys the cheapest products but they end up breaking or needing frequent repairs, they would be considered penny-wise, pound-foolish.
In a conversation about financial planning, one might caution against being penny-wise, pound-foolish by saying, “Don’t sacrifice quality for short-term savings.”
A person might reflect on their past spending habits and say, “I used to be penny-wise, pound-foolish, but now I prioritize long-term value.”

23. Money-miser

This term is used to describe someone who is extremely stingy with their money and goes to great lengths to avoid spending it. A money-miser is often seen as someone who is unwilling to spend money even when necessary.

For example, if someone always insists on splitting the bill down to the exact penny, they might be considered a money-miser.
In a discussion about frugality, someone might mention, “There’s a fine line between being frugal and being a money-miser.”
A person might jokingly refer to themselves as a money-miser by saying, “I’m such a cheapskate, I reuse tea bags!”

24. Budget-ninja

This term refers to someone who is highly skilled at managing their finances and finding creative ways to save money. A budget-ninja is adept at sticking to a budget and maximizing their savings.

For instance, if someone consistently finds ways to cut expenses and stay within their budget, they could be called a budget-ninja.
In a conversation about personal finance, one might say, “I wish I could be a budget-ninja like you.”
A person might share their budgeting tips and tricks by saying, “Here are some budget-ninja hacks to help you save money.”

25. Spartan

This term refers to someone who lives a simple and austere lifestyle, often characterized by minimal possessions and frugality. A spartan person embraces a minimalist mindset and avoids unnecessary expenses.

For example, if someone chooses to live in a small, sparsely furnished apartment to save money, they could be considered spartan.
In a discussion about decluttering, someone might mention, “Adopting a spartan lifestyle has helped me appreciate what truly matters.”
A person might describe their spending habits by saying, “I try to live a spartan lifestyle to save money and reduce waste.”

26. Prudent

This term refers to a person who is careful and wise with their money, often avoiding unnecessary expenses. “Prudent” suggests a sense of practicality and responsibility in managing one’s finances.

For example, someone might say, “I’m trying to be more prudent with my spending and save for a rainy day.”
A person discussing budgeting tips might advise, “Being prudent means distinguishing between wants and needs.”
Another might compliment someone’s financial habits by saying, “You’re so prudent with your money, always making smart choices.”

27. Scotch

This slang term is used to describe someone who is careful with their money, often to the point of being stingy or miserly. It suggests a person who is reluctant to spend money and tries to save it whenever possible.

For instance, a friend might jokingly say, “Don’t be so scotch, it’s just a few dollars.”
In a discussion about personal finance, one might mention, “Being scotch can help you build up your savings.”
A person might complain, “My boss is so scotch, he never wants to spend money on anything.”

28. Stinting

This term describes someone who is extremely frugal, often to the point of being cheap or miserly. It implies a person who is unwilling to spend money and tries to cut corners whenever possible.

For example, someone might say, “My aunt is so stinting, she always buys the cheapest items.”
In a conversation about saving money, one might mention, “Stinting on unnecessary expenses can help you reach your financial goals.”
A person might criticize someone’s stingy behavior by saying, “Stop being so stinting and treat yourself once in a while.”

29. Cheapo

This slang term is used to describe someone who is extremely cheap or stingy. It suggests a person who is unwilling to spend money and often goes to great lengths to save even small amounts.

For instance, a friend might playfully tease, “Don’t be such a cheapo, buy us a round of drinks.”
In a discussion about budgeting, one might mention, “Being a cheapo can help you stretch your money.”
A person might complain, “My roommate is such a cheapskate, he never wants to chip in for anything.”

30. Moneysaver

This term refers to a person who is diligent in saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses. It suggests someone who is mindful of their financial goals and takes steps to achieve them.

For example, someone might say, “I consider myself a moneysaver because I always look for discounts and deals.”
In a conversation about budgeting, one might mention, “Being a moneysaver means making conscious choices about where to spend and save.”
A person might compliment someone’s financial habits by saying, “You’re such a moneysaver, always finding ways to cut costs.”