to be stingy; to act meanly; to begrudge
1. to act in a stingy or miserly manner; to refuse to give or spend generously
He mesquinhava when it came to paying for dinner.
Ele mesquinhava na hora de pagar a conta do jantar.
2. to diminish or reduce something in a petty way; to belittle
Don't mesquinhe my accomplishments with your criticism.
Não mesquinhe meus feitos com suas críticas.
3. to behave in a petty, mean-spirited, or contemptible manner
She mesquinhava by refusing to help despite having the means.
Ela mesquinhava ao recusar ajudar apesar de ter condições.
This verb is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese to criticize someone for being overly stingy, petty, or mean-spirited. It carries a somewhat derogatory connotation and is often used in casual conversation to express disapproval of someone's miserly behavior or petty nature. The word reflects cultural values around generosity and hospitality in Brazilian society.
NYC Slang
to cheap out; to be stingy
Related Idioms & Phrases
mesquinhar com a verdade (to diminish/distort the truth)
mesquinhar nas despesas (to cut corners on expenses)
não mesquinhe comigo (don't treat me stingily/unfairly)
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