miserly practices

[ˈmɪzərli ˈpræktɪsɪz]
noun phrase
práticas mesquinhas
1. habitual patterns of behavior characterized by excessive stinginess, unwillingness to spend money, and extreme frugality often to the detriment of others
The company's miserly practices angered employees who received minimal benefits and no bonuses.
As práticas mesquinhas da empresa irritaram os funcionários que recebiam benefícios mínimos e nenhum bônus.
2. characteristic actions or policies that demonstrate unwillingness to give, share, or spend resources generously
His miserly practices included refusing to tip waiters and cutting coupons obsessively.
Suas práticas mesquinhas incluíam recusar-se a dar gorjeta aos garçons e cortar cupons obsessivamente.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, miserly practices are generally frowned upon socially. In the USA, tipping is expected and refusing to do so is considered rude. In Brazil, extreme stinginess is viewed as reflecting poorly on one's character and social standing. The term carries moral judgment suggesting not just frugality, but excessive and inappropriate withholding of resources.
NYC Slang
cheap tricks; penny-pinching moves; broke behavior
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stingy behaviorpenny-pinchingniggardly conductcheapskate behaviorparsimonious habitstightfisted conduct
Antonyms / Antônimos
generous practiceslavish spendingphilanthropic behaviormagnanimous conductliberal giving

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
práticas mesquinhas
most common and neutral usage
General Brazilian
práticas avarientas
emphasizes greed more strongly
São Paulo
práticas de pão-duro
informal; 'pão-duro' literally means hard bread, slang for stingy person
Portugal
práticas avarenta
Portuguese variation; slightly different grammar structure

Related Words

miserlymiserstinginessparsimonyfrugalitytightfistedcheapskateavarice

Related Idioms & Phrases

penny-pinching to the bone
counting every penny
watch the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves
tight as a drum
wouldn't give you the time of day
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