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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.

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

Still, by going full cheapo, the legacy carriers are able to compete more directly for cost-conscious flyers.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2024

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

From Washington Times • May 3, 2022

The original 1978 “Piranha” was a cheapo “Jaws” ripoff that director Joe Dante and screenwriter John Sayles turned into a wry parody.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2018

Running a boat at night is tricky because you can’t see very far or very clearly, and a cheapo flashlight doesn’t help much.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

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