niggard
UK: ˈnɪɡəd | US: ˈnɪɡərd
n. a stingy or miserly person
adj. stingy or miserly in behavior
The word "niggard" originates from Middle English nygard, likely derived from Old Norse hnøggr (stingy) + the suffix -ard, which denotes a person with a negative trait (e.g., "drunkard"). Despite superficial resemblance, it is etymologically unrelated to the racial slur, which derives from Latin niger (black). The word reflects a historical association of miserliness with moral disapproval, reinforced by the pejorative suffix.
The old man was a notorious niggard, refusing to spend even on basic necessities.
She criticized his niggardly attitude toward charitable donations.
The innkeeper’s niggardly portions left the travelers hungry.
His reputation as a niggard made him unpopular among his peers.
The will revealed a niggardly bequest to his own family.