Definition of niggardly

"Niggardly" originates from the Old Norse word "hniginn," meaning "stingy" or "miserly." This word evolved into the Middle English "niggard," which meant a "stingy person." By the 16th century, "niggardly" became the adjective form, describing something done in a stingy or miserly manner. It's important to note that while the word's etymology is unrelated to the racial slur, its current use can be offensive due to the similarity in sound and spelling. It's crucial to be aware of this potential for misunderstanding and use alternative words like "stingy," "mean," or "parsimonious" instead.