The spelling of the word "more niggardly" has been a matter of controversy due to its similarity to the racial slur "nigger". However, the word derives from the Middle English word "nyggard", which means stingy or miserly. The correct pronunciation is /mɔr ˈnɪɡərdli/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The suffix "ly" is added to "niggard" to form an adverb, indicating more stinginess than before. It is important to distinguish between the spelling and definition of a word and any potential offensive connotations.
The term "more niggardly" is an adverbial phrase used to describe an action or behavior that is characterized by a greater level of stinginess, parsimony, or unwillingness to spend or give. Derived from the adjective "niggardly," which itself stems from the Middle English word "nigard," meaning miser or covetous, the phrase implies an enhanced degree of tightfistedness or an inclination to withhold resources or generosity.
When someone is described as being "more niggardly," it suggests that they exhibit a greater reluctance to part with their wealth, assets, or assistance. This behavior may manifest in various situations, such as being excessively frugal or penny-pinching, refusing to lend or share resources even when needed, or consistently placing a higher emphasis on personal gain rather than communal well-being. It represents an intensified manifestation of a trait that is generally perceived negatively by others, emphasizing a heightened degree of selfishness or an unwillingness to contribute towards the welfare of others.
However, it is important to note that the term "niggardly," and consequently "more niggardly," should not be conflated with racial slurs or offensive language. Its etymology and usage have no connection to race or ethnicity, despite sharing a phonetic similarity with a derogatory term. It is necessary to approach the term based on its lexical definition and not misconstrue it as carrying any racial undertones.
The word "niggardly" derives from the Middle English term "nygard", which means "miserly" or "stingy". It originated from the Old Norse word "nīðingr", meaning "coward" or "villain". Over time, the word evolved to "nyggarde" in Middle English before adopting its current form, "niggardly". It is important to note that "niggardly" is etymologically unrelated to the racial slur "n****r" and should not be considered as such.