cheap bastard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap bastard" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used informally to describe someone who is unwilling to spend money or is overly frugal, often in a humorous or derogatory manner. Example: "I can't believe he only brought a bag of chips to the potluck; what a cheap bastard!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Cheap bastard.

The New Yorker

He's a cheap bastard and an exceptional seaman.

The New Yorker

"Yes, Simon talked me into that, the cheap bastard!

The Guardian - Music

Did she think he was a cheap bastard who cheats on his wife?

The New Yorker

You don't have to fret over whether your partner will break the £10 limit you agreed on, thereby making you look like a cheap bastard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A few years ago, at about two in the morning, the phone rang, and a voice said, "Will you accept a collect call from Stanley Kubrick?" Stanley always was a cheap bastard....I soon regretted my refusal, however, and dialed *69..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's my birthday!" Selena joins the heckling, standing above the cheap bastards in high heels and a power pose.

Vice

One big thing about cocaine everywhere outside of South America, at least—is that it's cut with all sorts of nasty stuff because dealers are cheap bastards, and that stuff has varying effects on the body (although it's unlikely any of it will make your skin rot away, as was reported last year).

Vice

The message, allegedly, came back from Banksy that AK47 shouldn't be such a "cheap Northern bastard" and should have paid more for a signed copy.

Independent

Now as a healthy adult living a moderately comfortable lifestyle, I find ways to blame inanimate objects for their shoddiness, instead of blaming myself for being a cheap, lazy bastard.

Huffington Post

The bastard was too cheap to hire any hired help.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cheap bastard" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be considered offensive. Consider the context and whether a less offensive alternative might be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "cheap bastard" in formal or professional settings. Its informal and derogatory nature can damage your credibility and offend your audience. Opt for neutral terms like "frugal" or "economical" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap bastard" functions as a derogatory descriptor, combining an adjective ("cheap") with a noun ("bastard") to express disapproval of someone's frugality or perceived stinginess. Ludwig AI confirms its informal usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap bastard" is an informal and derogatory term used to describe someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered offensive and should be used with caution. Its primary function is to express disapproval or contempt. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. If you need alternatives, consider less offensive options like "stingy person" or "tightwad". Remember to consider the context and audience before using this phrase, as it can easily damage your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frugal jerk

This alternative keeps a similar level of informality, replacing 'cheap' with 'frugal' and 'bastard' with 'jerk'.

ungenerous cheapskate

This phrase combines 'ungenerous' to soften and explain the context, while 'cheapskate' remains informal.

tightwad

This is a more colloquial term for someone who is unwilling to spend money.

stingy fellow

This phrase replaces "cheap" with "stingy", a synonym, and "bastard" with "fellow", which softens the insult.

penny-pincher

This term describes someone who is careful with their money, often to an extreme degree.

miserly individual

This alternative is more formal and less offensive, focusing on the characteristic of being excessively thrifty.

parsimonious person

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the quality of being unwilling to spend money.

skinflint

A less common but still understood term for a very stingy person.

miser

This term denotes a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible.

niggardly type

This term is less common and more formal, indicating a reluctance to give or spend.

FAQs

How can I use "cheap bastard" in a sentence?

You can use "cheap bastard" to describe someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money. For example: "He refused to pay his share of the bill; what a cheap bastard!" However, be mindful of its offensive nature.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "cheap bastard"?

Consider using alternatives such as "stingy person", "tightwad", or "frugal person" depending on the context. These options are less likely to offend.

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "cheap bastard"?

The phrase "cheap bastard" is generally only appropriate in informal settings among close friends who understand your sense of humor. Avoid using it in professional, formal, or public contexts where it could be perceived as offensive.

What is the difference between "cheap" and "cheap bastard"?

"Cheap" simply means low in cost or unwilling to spend much money. "Cheap bastard" is a derogatory term that combines the idea of being cheap with an insult, implying the person's behavior is contemptible.