Internet
tightwad
What does tightwad mean?
Someone extremely reluctant to part with money.
"Don't be such a tightwad, split the bill."
Origin
From 'tight' (stingy) plus 'wad' (a bundle of banknotes).
Frequently asked questions
What is a tightwad?
A person who is extremely stingy and hates spending money.
Where does 'tightwad' come from?
It combines 'tight' (meaning stingy) with 'wad' (a rolled bundle of banknotes).
Is calling someone a tightwad rude?
It's mildly insulting — a playful jab at someone's stinginess rather than a serious slur.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.