niggard

American  

[nig-erd] / ˈnɪg ərd /

noun

1. an excessively parsimonious, miserly, or stingy person.

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adjective

1. miserly; stingy.

niggard British  

/ ˈnɪɡəd /

noun

1. a stingy person

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adjective

1. archaic miserly

Sensitive Note

The words niggard and niggardly are often misinterpreted as racial slurs because they sound like what is probably the most offensive word in the English language. Actually, niggard dates back to Middle English. The first element nygg-, nig- was borrowed from a Scandinavian source, and -ard is a pejorative suffix. The adjective and adverb niggardly is a modern English formation from niggard. Historical linguists and others familiar with the etymology of these words know that they are not truly related to the word nigger. However, the source of a term is not as important as how it is perceived and used in contemporary language. So even if the words niggard and niggardly are not racial slurs in their etymologies, meanings, or historical uses, it may be wisest to avoid these terms. The connotation or perception of any word is determined by how it is used, received, and interpreted; niggard and niggardly may be offensive to many speakers because of this speculative, but false, etymology.

Etymology

Origin of niggard

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English nyggard, nigard “a stingy person,” from earlier nig “a stingy person” (from Old Norse; compare Old Icelandic hnöggr “stingy,” dialectal Swedish njugg, nygg “parsimonious”; akin to Old English hnēaw “stingy”) + -ard

Example Sentences

The Aga Khans have been generously rewarded by Britannia—no niggard when she obtains good value for her money.

From Time Magazine Archive

Flowing around you, not brooding and nursing every niggard stone.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner

At the next table there sat, meanly drinking his pint pot, Josse Grypstuiver, the miserly dean of the fishmongers, a scurvy fellow, niggard, living on red herrings, loving money more than his soul’s salvation.

From The Legend of Ulenspiegel, Volume I (of 2) And Lamme Goedzak, and their Adventures Heroical, Joyous and Glorious in the Land of Flanders and Elsewhere by Coster, Charles Th?odore Henri de

London was startled; and when London is startled by its press it is no niggard.

From The Men Who Wrought by Cullum, Ridgwell

We chase the fleeing beauty all our lives long; "Nor is there near so brisk a fire In fruition, as desire; The niggard sense, too poor for bliss, Pays us but dully with what is."

From Tablets by Alcott, Amos Bronson