Cheap vs. Frugal

synonyms

Can we use these two words interchangeably? What are their similarities and differences? Well then, we're about to find out.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words refer to people's attitudes toward money, and the quality of an object. However, 'frugal' is someone who thinks about the future and is familiar with money-saving, whereas, 'cheap' refers to someone who is thrifty and does not know how to save money.

Differences

As stated above, 'cheap' and 'frugal' can refer to how people view money. A 'frugal' person is someone who thinks about the future, while also fulfilling his/her current needs based on their priorities. However, a 'cheap' person is someone who is worthless and thinks they can save money by not spending at all. Look at the following examples:

My boyfriend used to be cheap.

Here, 'cheap' is describing a person who is trying to spend less money and is stingy.

How dare you call me cheap when you can't buy a single t-shirt for yourself?

Being frugal is a skill in such a consumerist world.

I remember how I learned to become frugal when I was a university student.

'Frugal' and 'cheap' also refer to the low and base quality of an inexpensive object. Look at the following examples:

This store is famous for selling cheap and second hand clothes.

Here, 'cheap' is describing items in a store.

Today, I had a frugal meal for lunch.

Similarities

They both show people's attitudes regarding money. Check out the following examples:

I once had a cheap person who gave me her own used blouse for my birthday.

She seems to be a frugal woman who does not takes risks easily.

Are They Interchangeable?

Since these two words are showing different attitudes toward money, they cannot be used interchangeably.

✓ I think she's just pretending to be frugal in front of us.

X I think she's just pretending to be cheap in front of us.

As you can see, the second sentence makes no sense.

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