“Scrooge” means a very stingy, selfish person who does not like to spend money or share with others. It is often used to describe someone who is miserly, especially around gifts, meals, or generosity.
People use “Scrooge” in everyday speech when they want to joke about someone being too cheap or not in the holiday spirit. It comes from the character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, who is famous for being cold and greedy before he changes.
Meaning & Usage
Today, “Scrooge” is usually used as a nickname or insult for someone who avoids spending money or seems unwilling to be kind or generous. It can be serious, but it is often said in a playful way.
Examples
“Don’t be such a Scrooge—join us for dinner.”
“He was called a Scrooge because he never wanted to buy gifts for anyone.”
Is “Scrooge” always negative?
Usually, yes. It normally suggests someone is cheap, selfish, or not generous, though sometimes people use it jokingly.
Where does “Scrooge” come from?
It comes from Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
Can “Scrooge” be used for money only?
No. It can also describe someone who is stingy with time, effort, or kindness, not just money.
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