Chinchier

/ˈtʃɪn.tʃi.ər/ adjective

Definition

Comparative form of 'chinchy,' meaning more miserly, stingy, or shabby in appearance or quality.

Etymology

From 'chintz' (a printed cotton fabric) with pejorative associations of cheapness. The '-y' suffix and comparative '-er' created this adjective describing penny-pinching behavior.

Kelly Says

The word 'chinchy' comes from chintz, which was originally expensive Indian cotton—but when mass production made it cheap, 'chintz' became a word for cheap and garish! Now calling someone 'chinchier' is calling them stingier than stingy.

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