cheap buggers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap buggers" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and somewhat colloquial.
It can be used to describe people who are perceived as stingy or unwilling to spend money, often in a humorous or light-hearted context. Example: "I wanted to go out for dinner, but those cheap buggers insisted on cooking at home instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Cheap buggers".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He did just that and sent me a couple of postcards from his travels, and one short story, in which a narrator not unlike Hills is humiliated and brutally buggered by a male prostitute in a cheap hotel room.

The Guardian - Books

Sneaky buggers.

Independent

Pesky buggers.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're lucky buggers".

Independent

"It buggers them up.

The New Yorker

Just boil the buggers.

Independent

Hundreds of the buggers.

The Guardian

What lazy buggers.

The Guardian - Sport

Rugby players are messy buggers.

Independent

EU membership has probably added cheap package tours on the Black Sea to the other Bulgarian commonplaces of poisoned umbrellas on Waterloo bridge and endowing the English language with the word "bugger".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cheap buggers", consider your audience. It's informal and can be offensive, so reserve it for casual settings or when you're aiming for a humorous effect.

Common error

Avoid using "cheap buggers" in formal or professional contexts. The term carries a negative and somewhat offensive connotation, making it inappropriate for serious discussions or business communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap buggers" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "cheap" modifies the noun "buggers". The term "buggers" acts as a noun, often used informally to refer to people. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, though it notes its informal nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cheap buggers" is an informal phrase used to describe people who are considered stingy. While grammatically correct, its usage is best reserved for casual settings due to the potentially offensive connotation of "buggers". Ludwig's analysis highlights that while present in News & Media it's not a common phrase and it should be used considering the audience and the message you want to convey. If you need more neutral or formal alternatives, consider using "stingy individuals" or "frugal people" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stingy individuals

Replaces the informal term "buggers" with a more neutral word, while retaining the meaning of being unwilling to spend money.

tightfisted group

Focuses on the unwillingness to spend money, suggesting a reluctance to open their wallets.

closefisted lot

Similar to "tightfisted", this phrase emphasizes the unwillingness to share or spend money.

miserly people

Emphasizes the characteristic of being excessively frugal and unwilling to part with money.

penny-pinching folks

Highlights the act of being excessively careful with money, even with small amounts.

parsimonious crowd

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a group that is excessively thrifty.

ungenerous bunch

Shifts the focus from money to a general lack of generosity or willingness to share.

frugal skinflints

Combines the positive connotation of frugality with the negative implication of being greedy.

mean spirited cheapskates

Adds a layer of negativity, suggesting that the individuals are not only stingy but also unkind.

careful spenders

A more neutral alternative, simply describing people who are cautious with their money.

FAQs

What does "cheap buggers" mean?

The phrase "cheap buggers" is an informal and somewhat derogatory term used to describe people who are perceived as stingy or unwilling to spend money. The word "bugger" adds a slightly offensive tone.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "cheap buggers" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "cheap buggers" is not appropriate for formal writing. It is considered informal and can be offensive. Use more neutral alternatives like "stingy individuals" or "frugal people" in formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "cheap buggers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "miserly people", "parsimonious crowd", or simply "stingy people".

How can I use the phrase "cheap buggers" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase is typically used in informal conversation or writing to express disapproval or amusement about someone's unwillingness to spend money. For example: "I wanted to go out, but those cheap buggers insisted on staying in and watching TV."