Pronunciation: [skˈɪmps] (IPA) 
The word "skimps" is spelled with a silent "p" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /skɪmps/. The "s" sound is followed by a short "i" sound, then the "m" sound, and finally the silent "p" at the end. The word "skimps" means to be stingy or unwilling to spend money or resources. It is important to spell words correctly to convey the intended meaning and to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
The verb "skimps" refers to the act of deliberately economizing, cutting back, or doing something inadequately due to frugality or a desire to save resources. It entails making minimal effort, using fewer materials, or spending less money than might be considered necessary or expected to achieve a particular outcome.
When someone "skimps" on a task or project, they generally prioritize efficiency and cost reduction over quality or thoroughness. This may involve opting for simpler or cheaper alternatives, leaving out non-essential elements, or reducing the amount of time or attention devoted to the task at hand. For example, a student might "skimp" on a research paper by using only a few sources instead of conducting extensive research.
In a broader sense, "skimps" can also refer to individuals who habitually strive to save or cut corners in various aspects of life, such as food, clothing, or personal expenditure. They prefer to spend less, often sacrificing quality or indulgence for budgetary reasons. Conversely, "skimps" can be used to describe products or services that are insufficient or insufficiently provisioned in some way, such as a skimpily portioned meal or a "skimpy" clothing item made with cheap materials and limited embellishments.
Overall, "skimps" encapsulates the notion of intentionally limiting or reducing effort, resources, or expenditures in order to meet basic requirements while saving time, money, or effort.
The word "skimps" is believed to have derived from the Middle English term "skimp". The etymology of "skimp" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "skemma", meaning to lessen or shorten. Over time, "skemma" evolved into the Middle Dutch word "schampen", which carried a similar meaning of scarcity or insufficiency. The term later made its way into Middle English as "skimp" and eventually "skimps", specifically as a verb, to describe the act of being stingy or sparing in quality or quantity.
