Pronunciation: [skˈɪmp] (IPA) 
The word "skimp" is spelled with the letters S-K-I-M-P. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /skɪmp/. The "S" sounds like the "s" in "sun," the "K" sounds like the "k" in "kite," and the "P" sounds like the "p" in "pig." The "I" sounds like the "i" in "lift," and the "M" sounds like the "m" in "mom." Overall, the spelling of the word "skimp" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Skimp is a verb that refers to the act of doing something in a way that is insufficient, inadequate, or below the acceptable standard, usually due to trying to save money, time, or effort. When someone skimps on a task or duty, they intentionally reduce or limit the resources they dedicate to it, often resulting in a subpar outcome.
In terms of finances, skimping usually involves cutting corners or being frugal to the point of depriving oneself or another person of necessary or expected expenses. It often implies a disregard for quality or completeness in exchange for cost-cutting measures. For example, someone may skimp on groceries by purchasing only the cheapest and least nutritious items, or they may skimp on home repairs by using low-quality materials or insufficient labor.
Skimping can also be applied to time or effort. When someone skimps on time, it means they rush through an activity or task without giving it the full attention or dedication it deserves. Skimping on effort implies putting minimal exertion into a task, resulting in an outcome that is below one's potential or the expected level of quality.
Overall, skimping suggests a tendency to prioritize economizing over providing adequate resources or effort. It can involve sacrificing quality, completeness, or effectiveness, often leading to unsatisfactory results.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "skimp" is believed to have originated from an old English dialect word "skimpy" or "skimp" meaning "thin" or "scanty". The exact origin of this word, however, remains uncertain. It has been suggested that "skimp" may have derived from the Old Norse word "skemma" meaning "to shorten" or "abridge". Another theory proposes that it may have come from the Dutch word "schimpen" meaning "to sneer" or "mock". Over time, the word "skimp" eventually came to mean "to provide or use less than is necessary" or "to economize" in modern English.
