Frugal
/ˈfruː.ɡəl/noun
Careful to use money or resources wisely and sparingly.
Did you know?Frugal comes from Latin frugalis, tied to frux meaning “fruit” or “produce,” so the original idea was about being fruitful, useful, and properly productive—not just cheap.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhr̥g- / *bhrug-
“A root associated with enjoyment or use, ultimately behind Latin fruit and produce words.”
Latin
Latin
frux
“Fruit, produce, profit, or that which is enjoyed from labor.”
Latin
Latin
frugalis
“Pertaining to economy, moderation, and usefulness; also morally upright and sober.”
Old French
Old French
frugal
“Economical, sparing, or moderate.”
Middle English
English
frugal
“Sparing in use or expenditure.”
Modern English
English
frugal
“Careful to manage resources wisely and avoid waste.”
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