The phrase "skimp on" refers to not providing enough or good quality of something. It is spelled as /skɪmp ɒn/, with the "sk" sound pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative /sk/ and the "i" sound as a lax vowel /ɪ/. The "m" and "p" sounds create a slight consonant cluster, and the final "on" syllable is pronounced as a neutral vowel /ɒn/. Despite its simple spelling, "skimp on" can be a tricky phrase for non-native English speakers to accurately pronounce.
Skimp on is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of being stingy or frugal with something, typically by using or providing insufficient or inadequate amounts of it. When someone or something "skimps on" a particular resource or item, it means they are intentionally trying to save money, time, effort, or other valuable resources by reducing the quantity, quality, or level of involvement associated with it.
This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, such as while discussing personal finance, household management, business practices, or even consumer products. For example, if a person skimps on food, it implies that they are not retrieving a sufficient amount of food or consuming only low-quality and inadequate ingredients in order to minimize their expenses. Similarly, a company that skimps on employee benefits might provide insufficient health insurance coverage or minimal retirement plans.
The term "skimp on" generally carries a negative connotation. It implies a lack of generosity or cutbacks that may result in a compromise of quality or standards. People might choose to skimp on something due to financial constraints, but it can also reveal a lack of care, attention, or commitment.
Overall, the phrase "skimp on" relates to intentionally reducing or limiting something in order to save resources, but it often suggests a tradeoff that may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes or compromised experiences.
The word "skimp" originated from the Middle English word "skempen" or "skimpin", which meant "to make thin or scanty". This Middle English term is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word "skamt" meaning "short". Over time, "skimp" evolved to mean "to be stingy or sparing with something", particularly with regards to resources or efforts.
The phrase "skimp on" is a phrasal verb that emerged in the early 20th century, combining the verb "skimp" with the preposition "on". It denotes the act of being intentionally frugal or economizing in regard to a certain aspect, often implying that something is done in a hasty or insufficient manner.