bunch of pikers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of pikers" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people who are considered to be stingy or lacking in ambition. Example: "I can't believe they only contributed a small amount to the fundraiser; they're just a bunch of pikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What a bunch of pikers!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Germaine Greer and Norman Mailer used their public debate on feminism as an excuse for getting drinks afterward, but then those two were a couple of pikers.

The New Yorker

"Bunch of niggers, mostly".

The New Yorker

A bunch of them.

The New York Times

A bunch of ventriloquists?

The New York Times

"A bunch of racists".

The Economist

#bbcdp "Bunch of migrants".

Independent

"What a bunch of idiots".

The New York Times - Arts

A Bunch of Hydrants Q.

The New York Times

You bunch of godless heathens?

The New Yorker

Just a bunch of softies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bunch of pikers" when you want to express disdain for a group of people you consider stingy or unambitious. It adds a slightly old-fashioned, informal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "bunch of pikers" in formal contexts or when addressing people directly, as it carries a negative and somewhat insulting connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of pikers" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a derogatory label for a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with an example from The New York Times, highlighting its capacity to express disdain.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bunch of pikers" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of people considered stingy or unambitious. It's grammatically correct but carries a negative connotation and is best suited for informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in news and media, albeit infrequently. If you're looking for alternatives, consider "group of cheapskates" or "stingy bunch" for similar meanings, but be mindful of the potentially offensive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stingy bunch

Directly replaces "pikers" with "stingy", simplifying the expression.

group of cheapskates

Replaces "pikers" with a more common and direct term for stingy people.

collection of tightwads

Uses "tightwads" as a synonym for "pikers", emphasizing stinginess.

miserly crowd

Emphasizes the stinginess aspect of the group.

pathetic group

Focuses on the group's inadequacy and lack of ambition, similar to "pikers".

unambitious lot

Highlights the lack of ambition implied by "pikers".

a sorry lot

Generalizes the inadequacy of the group without specifically referencing stinginess.

meager contributors

Specifically addresses the lack of generosity in contributions.

small-minded group

Focuses on the limited perspective and ambition of the group.

insignificant players

Refers to the group's lack of importance or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "bunch of pikers" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of pikers" to describe a group of people you consider stingy or unambitious. For example, "I can't believe they only donated five dollars; they're a bunch of pikers."

What's a less offensive way to say "bunch of pikers"?

Consider using alternatives like "group of cheapskates" or "collection of tightwads" if you want to express a similar sentiment without being too harsh.

Is "bunch of pikers" a common expression?

No, "bunch of pikers" is not a very common expression. It's more likely to be found in older texts or informal speech.

What does "pikers" mean in the phrase "bunch of pikers"?

"Pikers" refers to people who are considered to be stingy, cheap, or lacking in ambition or courage. The phrase implies a negative judgment of the group's character.