Nickel-And-Dime - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

To 'nickel-and-dime' someone means to haggle or try to get a better deal on very small amounts of money, often in a way that seems petty or annoying 🙄. Imagine trying to negotiate the price of a single gumball – that's the kind of situation we're talking about. It's like squeezing every last drop of juice from a lemon 🍋, even when there's barely any left. It's often used to describe companies or people who are overly focused on saving small amounts of money, even if it means sacrificing customer service or quality 👎. Think of it as the opposite of being generous or splurging.

Etymology

The term comes from the literal act of dealing with nickels (5-cent coins) and dimes (10-cent coins) in transactions. It suggests an excessive focus on these small monetary units. The phrase likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, as these coins became more common in everyday transactions. Over time, it evolved to mean being stingy or cheap in general. It's a very American expression, reflecting the country's history with these specific coins. It shows how everyday objects can influence language.

Related Words

Examples

• "The company is nickel-and-diming its employees by cutting back on office supplies."
• "Don't nickel-and-dime me over a few cents; it's embarrassing!"
• "He tried to nickel-and-dime the car dealer, but it didn't work."
• "She's so good at budgeting she never nickel-and-dimes herself out of larger savings."

Encouragement

Now you know what 'nickel-and-dime' means! Use it to describe situations where people are being overly cheap. It's a colorful way to express your frustration or amusement. 😉

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