[FROO-gul]
Definition
- (adjective) Someone who is economical, thrifty, and careful with money or resources. It refers to being prudent and sparing in the use of consumable resources, especially money, without being miserly or stingy.
Example
My grandmother’s frugal habits during the Depression, like saving every rubber band and reusing tea bags, stayed with her even after she became financially comfortable.
Fun Fact
“Frugal” comes from the Latin word “frugalis,” meaning virtuous or thrifty, which itself derives from “frux,” meaning fruit or value. In ancient Rome, being frugal was considered one of the highest virtues a citizen could possess. The Romans even had a goddess named Frugi who represented thriftiness and temperance. Interestingly, the word originally had nothing to do with money – it was used to describe fertile soil that produced good fruits and crops. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent the careful management of any resources. During the Renaissance, being frugal was seen as so important that many wealthy families would deliberately practice frugality, even when unnecessary, to teach their children the value of resources. This practice was called “noble frugality” and was considered essential for maintaining family wealth across generations. Today, the concept has gained renewed importance in environmental movements, where frugal use of resources is seen as key to sustainability.
