“Niggard” is a very old word in English meaning “miser” or “stingy person.” Americans often mistakenly assume it is a variant on the most common insulting term for dark-skinned people. You may embarrass yourself by attacking a writer for racism when you see it in print; but since so many people are confused about this it might be better to use “miser” and “stingy” instead of “niggard” and “niggardly.”

Back to list of errors

 

Common Errors front cover

BUY THE BOOK!