The word "niggardy" is often confused with the racist slur "nigger," and as such, is best avoided in order to prevent offense. However, if you do encounter the word, its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is spelled /ˈnɪɡərdi/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "g" is pronounced hard, as in "got," and the "y" at the end functions as a suffix meaning "having the quality of" or "resembling."
"Niggardy" is an obsolete term that originated in the late 16th century and has since fallen into disuse. The word is derived from the adjective "niggard" or "niggardly," which means to be excessively stingy, miserly, or tightfisted in terms of spending money or resources. Etymologically, "niggardy" is formed by adding the suffix "-y" to the word "niggard," thereby denoting a state or quality related to being niggardly.
The historical connotation of niggardy implies a negative characterization of someone who is excessively concerned with financial matters and exhibits an unwillingness to part with their resources, often to an unreasonable or parsimonious degree. Such individuals are typically perceived as being ungenerous or lacking in benevolence.
It is important to note that the similarity between the word "niggardy" and the racially derogatory term is purely coincidental and stems from two entirely unrelated etymological origins. The term "niggardy" should not be associated with or mistaken for any racist slurs or discriminatory intent.