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Synonyms

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

Baldanza was proud of the cheapo transformation, calling his airline the “dollar store of the sky.”

From Slate Oct. 15, 2024

It’s a fun, dark, sad, seedy story — an only-in-L.A. experience with cultural implications far beyond one cheapo fast-fashion brand.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 1, 2023

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

From Washington Times May 3, 2022

“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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