skinflint
UK[ˈskɪnflɪnt]US[ˈskɪnflɪnt]
n
a person who is very unwilling to spend money; a miser.
Morpheme Breakdown
skin
flint
skin
skin, hide
flint
a hard gray stone
Etymology
the term "skinflint" is a vivid english compound, originating in the late 17th century. it paints a metaphorical picture of someone so miserly they would attempt to "skin a flint"—that is, try to remove the skin or hide from a hard stone, which is an impossible and absurdly parsimonious act. the word "skin" derives from old english scinn, while "flint" comes from old english flint, both retaining their core meanings. this compound exemplifies a creative, figurative process in english where two concrete nouns combine to form a new abstract term describing extreme character traits, specifically stinginess.
Analysis
Structure: skin + flint
skin (old english, meaning "skin, hide") + flint (old english, meaning "a hard gray stone")
Examples
the old skinflint refused to turn on the heating even in the depths of winter.
he earned a reputation as a skinflint for never contributing to office collections.
despite his wealth, he lived like a skinflint, mending his shoes with tape.