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cheapo

American  
[chee-poh] / ˈtʃi poʊ /
Also el cheapo

adjective

Slang.
  1. cheapie.


cheapo British  
/ ˈtʃiːpəʊ /

adjective

  1. informal very cheap and possibly shoddy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cheapo

First recorded in 1970–75; cheap + -o

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Every year millions of dodgy apps and cheapo internet-connected devices ship with an unadvertised back door called residential proxy software.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 5, 2026

Lee plays on a bit for cheapo opportunities, but is down four pawns and a piece after 37.

From Washington Times May 3, 2022

These series, unlike the sweeps specials and cheapo docudramas of old, are generally well polished.

From New York Times Apr. 12, 2022

And that will hold true even if you’re already using a cheapo set of serrated steak knives, let alone if you’re hacking away with the dull table knives that came with your silverware.

From Slate Mar. 1, 2019

“Of course, that means that the ol’ cheapo won’t have to spend any money on your birthday.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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