Has your definition of cheap evolved?

[Zikoris]

I would actually prefer a lot LESS attention in restaurants, along with less expectation to tip.

When I go to Europe every summer, it's a much better experience - instead of the wait staff wandering around refilling water and bothering you, they stick a full pitcher and glasses on your table and leave you alone. And they don't ask you how it tastes when you have your mouth full.

Though really, in my case tipping is kind of irrelevant, since me and my boyfriend combined only spend about $200/year on eating out - most of which is airport food or takeout sushi.

[grantmeaname]

I loved not tipping in Japan, and I like barely tipping in Europe.  The American system needs an overhaul so that minimum wage is truly minimum wage for all and we can ditch tipping.

I'd rather not get shitty-ass European quality service, though. And it's not necessarily cheaper, it's just where you pay the cost and how much control over it you get.

And don't get me started on how every other worker/job now seems to have a begging cup sitting on the counter, no matter what their job of how they are paid.

Just don't put your money in the jar, and then it won't ruin your day.

[lentilman]

Cheap is what you do to other people.  Thrifty is what you do to yourself.

Genius.  I plan to steal this quote in the future. :)

[MrsPete]

Maybe it's different in Canada, but I think tipping often goes overboard. For example, when somebody pours your beer at a bar. The beer is like $7-8 after tax in many places downtown, and it's pretty common for people to just round it to $10. It's about 10 seconds worth of work for the bartender who is just doing their job - I don't think that deserves a tip. I still do usually to avoid a discussion about it. I rarely go to bars though. Also I'd prefer a restaurant where I do the work of getting my plate of food from the kitchen and pouring my drink at the bar, and not have to pay a ~$7 tip on a ~$45 dinner for 2.

Minimum wage here is $10.25/hr as well. I guess it's different if servers are paid well under minimum wage, but then the overall bill prior to the tip should be lower to reflect that.

In all fairness, the bartender does more than that 10 seconds of work.  He also keeps the bar clean, washes dishes, changes out the kegs, takes out the trash, etc.  If he's the managing bartender, he also places orders, accepts deliveries, and manages accounts. 

[CommonCents]

Cheap is when you save money at someone else's expense, rather than yours.
Or to put cheap and frugal together
Cheap is when you are frugal at someone else's expense, rather than yours.

For example:
If you bring in lunch = frugal.  You made a sacrifice and gave up eating out.
If you photocopy at work to save on paper costs = cheap (and probably against company policy).  You are stealing company paper.
Getting sunglasses on sale = possible frugal (well, better than no sale).  You researched the best deal.
Returning broken sunglasses you bought in India to a big corporate store in America* = cheap (and probably illegal).  You are effectively stealing from the store.

*Yes ex-boyfriend, I am talking about you.

[momo]

Thank you all for sharing.  It was interesting to read how thoughts quickly turned to tipping when it came to the issue of defining cheapness.  Many of you did not comment specifically if you felt my friend was being cheap or if yor   own definition of cheapness has evolved (if so how)? Have any of you (men in particular) experienced such negative labeling from exes and or friends?  Ladies when it comes to dating how where do you draw your cheapness line?  Thanks for continuing to share your experiences everyone.

[Half-Borg]

I always have been a saver, so I never thought about anyone being cheap. I know a homeless guy, living in his van. I think he has a great life and kind of envy him.
I just recently discovered that people think I'm cheap.
Most of my friends and I graduated last year, so there has been a huge income jump for everyone. Now I suddenly have to defend myself because I'm not buying a new smartphone just because mine is two years old and the OS is not top notch.
I even got the question what the hell I'm saving for. I told some of the money smarter ones that I want to retire, they think I'm crazy. I useally tell everyone else, that I want to buy a house some day, which results in "Dah just finance"...

So no my definition has not evolved, but everyone elses has!

[ace1224]

mine has evolved in a good way.  before i found MMM i thought that when people went out of their way to save money they were "cheap", ex: friends who would only go to lunch with a coupon and never to dinner, i remember thinking wth is wrong with them.
and now, i realize they were thinking that about me!!! and now i'm jealous of people who have thought of better ways to save money (without going to extremes) than i have!

[Mr.Macinstache]

I would actually prefer a lot LESS attention in restaurants, along with less expectation to tip.

When I go to Europe every summer, it's a much better experience - instead of the wait staff wandering around refilling water and bothering you, they stick a full pitcher and glasses on your table and leave you alone. And they don't ask you how it tastes when you have your mouth full.

Though really, in my case tipping is kind of irrelevant, since me and my boyfriend combined only spend about $200/year on eating out - most of which is airport food or takeout sushi.

Agreed! I think we might be the exception to the rule though. In general people love attention and to be catered to. I on the other hand, want my food, drink and time with the person/people I'm dining with... that's it.