A tightwad is someone who hates spending money, even when it makes sense to spend it. While being careful with money is usually wise, a tightwad takes it too far. They might refuse to replace worn-out shoes, skip a friend's birthday party to avoid buying a gift, or make family members shiver rather than turn up the heat.

The word paints a funny picture: imagine someone's wallet tied so tightly with string that they can barely get any money out. A tightwad grips their money so firmly that spending even a little bit feels painful.

Being frugal means spending money thoughtfully and avoiding waste, which is admirable. Being a tightwad means letting the fear of spending control your choices in ways that hurt you or others. A frugal person might pack lunch to save money for something important. A tightwad might skip lunch entirely just to avoid spending anything.

The term is informal and mildly critical. If someone calls you a tightwad, they're suggesting you're being unreasonably stingy. You'll also hear the similar word cheapskate, which means roughly the same thing.