Scrooge

/skruːdʒ/ noun

Definition

A stingy, miserly person who refuses to spend money or share generously with others.

Etymology

From Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' (1843). The character's name became so iconic for miserliness that it evolved into a common noun describing any greedy, selfish person.

Kelly Says

Ebenezer Scrooge has become so legendary that most people don't realize he's fictional—Dickens created this character to criticize wealthy industrialists of Victorian England who hoarded money while their workers suffered.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.