tightfisted

[/taɪtˈfɪstəd/]
adjective
avarento
1. unwilling to spend money; stingy; miserly
He is a tightfisted person who never buys anyone a drink.
Ele é uma pessoa avarenta que nunca compra bebida para ninguém.
2. characterized by reluctance to part with money or resources
The company's tightfisted budget policy frustrated the employees.
A política orçamentária avarenta da empresa frustrou os funcionários.
In Brazilian culture, being called 'avarento' or 'mão de vaca' is generally considered a negative character trait, as generosity and sharing are valued social behaviors. In American culture, while frugality can be respected, being tightfisted often carries a negative connotation of being unwilling to contribute appropriately in social situations.
NYC Slang
cheap
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stingymiserlycheapparsimoniousniggardlypenny-pinchingclose-fistedskinflint
Antonyms / Antônimos
generousopen-handedlavishfree-spendingextravagant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
avarento
most common term
General Brazilian
mão de vaca
colloquial expression meaning 'cow hand'
São Paulo
de mão fechada
literal translation 'closed hand'
Portugal
avarento
standard Portuguese equivalent

Related Words

miserstinginessparsimonyfrugaleconomical

Related Idioms & Phrases

tight with a buck
doesn't have a penny to spare
watches every cent
counts every penny
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