shortchange
[ shawrt-cheynj ]
/ ˈʃɔrtˈtʃeɪndʒ /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object), short·changed, short·chang·ing.
to give less than the correct change to.
to deal with unfairly or dishonestly, especially to cheat.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of shortchange
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95
OTHER WORDS FROM shortchange
shortchanger, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use shortchange in a sentence
The bill for Wills and Kate, both 30, was short change compared to the ever-extravagant Prince Charles.
He says he's doing very well over there, and has only come home for a short change.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry WoodFluff, railway ticket clerks slang for short change given by them.
The Slang Dictionary|John Camden HottenFrom flim-flam (returning short change) to burglary is but a step, provided one has the nerve.
The Autobiography of a Thief|Hutchins Hapgood
British Dictionary definitions for shortchange
short-change
verb (tr)
to give less than correct change to
slang to treat unfairly or dishonestly, esp by giving less than is deserved or expected
Derived forms of short-change
short-changer, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012