niggard

[ nig-erd ]

noun

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

adjective

1. miserly; stingy.

niggard

/ ˈnɪɡəd /

noun

1. a stingy person

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggard¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of niggard¹

C14: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish dialect nygg and Old English hnēaw stingy

Example Sentences

“Little niggard!” said he, “refusing me a pecuniary request! Give me five pounds, Jane.”

From Literature

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

From Literature

‘No niggard are you, Éomer,’ said Aragorn, ‘to give thus to Gondor the fairest thing in your realm!’

From Literature

“Rats and ruins. It is a niggard’s gift that costs the giver nothing. Your own man Yarwyck says it will be half a year before the castle can be made fit for habitation.”

From Literature

He turned and spoke out clearly to Antinoos: “What fatherly concern you show me! Frighten this unknown fellow, would you, from my hall with words that promise blows—may God forbid it! Give him a loaf. Am I a niggard? No, I call on you to give. And spare your qualms as to my mother’s loss, or anyone’s— not that in truth you have such care at heart: your heart is all in feeding, not in giving.”

From Literature