skimp

[ skimp ]

verb (used without object)

1. to scrimp.

   Synonyms: pinch, stint

verb (used with object)

1. to scrimp.

   Synonyms: pinch, stint

2. to scamp.

adjective

1. skimpy; scanty.

skimp

/ skɪmp /

verb

1. to be extremely sparing or supply (someone) sparingly; stint
2. to perform (work, etc) carelessly, hastily, or with inadequate materials

Other Words From

• skimping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimp¹

First recorded in 1875–80; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimp¹

C17: perhaps a combination of scant and scrimp

Example Sentences

The final word on shopping for the best toasterA good toaster is an indispensable part of any kitchen, and today’s models don’t skimp on details and features that can tackle many different cooking tasks.

From Popular-Science

Hours seven through nine—the hours we’re most likely to skimp on—may actually be the most powerful.

From Outside Online

In every video, Burke and his team both inform and entertain, skimping neither on technical jargon nor opportunities to create useful Reddit memes.

From Ars Technica

Keysight makes “critical tools that companies are unlikely to skimp on” and that become “sticky” once users get accustomed to them, says Vontobel’s Chang.

From Fortune

Of course, if you’re looking for a more passive VR experience, such as “virtual travel” or immersive movies, you can maybe skimp on or even outright ditch the need for specialized controllers of any kind.

From Popular-Science

I don't skimp when it comes to scrambled eggs; I want mine with real butter, and enough cream to hold them up, but not leak.

From The Daily Beast

Then as the sober days of manhood came, and Landy witnessed the finish of the improvident and foolish, he began to save and skimp.

From Project Gutenberg

"Now we'll not have to skimp so with things," said Mrs. Twig happily.

From Project Gutenberg

Theyve a pretty good substitute for Skimp; at least I think that Bunty will play a good game.

From Project Gutenberg

Overcoats were cut as simply as possible, though they did not skimp the material but made them wide and loose.

From Project Gutenberg

Fong liked the work at the Diamond H; he also like the generous wages and not having to skimp in any way.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• scrimp

More About Skimp

What does skimp mean?

Skimp most commonly means to provide too little or be stingy when supplying someone with something, as in This place always skimps on the salad dressing, so I usually order some extra on the side. 

The word is often used in the command don’t skimp, which is a request not to provide an amount that the speaker considers inadequate, as in Hey, don’t skimp on the ice cream—I want a big scoop!

To skimp on materials when making or constructing something is to use ones that are low-quality or to use fewer than are needed to do the job properly.

Skimp is a synonym of scrimp, but scrimp most commonly means to be frugal by finding ways to avoid spending money. It’s especially used in the phrase scrimp and save, as in We had to scrimp and save just to afford this trip. 

The adjective skimpy can mean stingy or lacking in some way. It’s especially used to describe an outfit that’s considered a bit revealing due to not covering as much as might be usual.

Example: Don’t skimp on the butter when you make the cookies or they’ll turn out dry and brittle.

Where does skimp come from?

The first records of the word skimp come from the 1870s. It may come from a combination of scant and scrimp, but its origin is uncertain.

Skimp is perhaps most commonly used in the context of not getting as much as we want when ordering food. You might say that a restaurant skimps on their portions, or that whoever made the food skimped on a certain ingredient, as in I know you want to make the recipe healthier, but if you skimp on the salt, it will turn out bland. 

When the word is used in the context of building or making something, skimp often implies a lack of quality in the materials or that someone has cut corners.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to skimp?

• skimpy (adjective)
• skimpingly (adjective)

What are some synonyms for skimp?

• scrimp
• stint

What are some words that often get used in discussing skimp?

 

• don’t
• stingy
• sparing
• materials
• portion
• amount
• inadequate
• enough

How is skimp used in real life?

Skimp is usually used in negative contexts, though usually ones that are not too serious. It’s often used when people complain that they haven’t been given enough of something, especially food that they’ve ordered.

Banh mi places always skimp on the pickled daikon

— Bergo (Gus Van Sant remake) 👻 (@BergoEsBueno) September 14, 2017

Yesterday, I made quiche again: gruyere cheese, crispy bacon, green onion, heavy cream, eggs, fluted homemade crust. I don't skimp on the amount of bacon used. :-)

— EdinaMN Guy (@EdinaMNguy) July 25, 2020

HOW TO BUILD A FREESTANDING DECK- don't skimp on materials for this project https://t.co/ArtegG61wI #DIY #decks pic.twitter.com/AqkmvbxTBO

— Extreme How-To (@ExtremeHow_To) August 26, 2016

 

 

Try using skimp!

True or False? 

If you say that someone skimped on something, it usually means that they didn’t provide as much of it as you wanted.