קמצן
kamtsn
The Yiddish word for cheapskate is קמצן (kamtsn).
This noun is used to describe someone who does not give freely.
Meaning: someone who doesn't give freely (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kamtsn.
Did you know?
- In Jewish culture, being a קמצן is often viewed more harshly than being poor, as the community places a high spiritual value on tzedakah or charitable giving.
- The term קמצן is often paired with the concept of 'mitzvah', because a true 'mitzvah' (good deed) requires the very generosity that a קמצן lacks.
- Unlike the English word 'cheapskate', which can sometimes be used jokingly between friends, קמצן often carries a heavier moral judgment.
Examples in context
- ער איז אַ גרויסער קמצן.er iz a groyser kamtsn.He is a big cheapskate.
- זייַ נישט קיין קמצן.zayn nisht keyn kamtsn.Don't be a cheapskate.
Example conversation
Sarah and Avraham are deciding who pays for coffee.
- שרה Saraאברהם, וועסטו באַצאָלן פֿאַר מיין קאַפֿע?Avraham, vestu batsoln far mayn kafe?Avraham, will you pay for my coffee?
- אברהם Avrahamניין, יעדער באַצאָלט פֿאַר זיך.neyn, yeder batsolt far zikh.No, everyone pays for themselves.
- שרה Saraדו ביסט אַן אמתער קמצן!du bist an emeter kamtsn!You are a real cheapskate!
- אברהם Avrahamאיך בין נישט קמצן, איך בין נאָר שנוריג.ikh bin nisht kamtsn, ikh bin nor shnurig.I'm not a cheapskate, I'm just frugal.
