Frugal Scotsmen

[ChattanCat]

I’m an Econobite.

Econobite - a very frugal byte, only slightly more frugal than a bit

It is frugal in the broad and long-term sense to acquire a kilt of high quality materials and of highly skilled construction. Such a garment can last a lifetime and more. It pays the maximum of respect to the tradition and practice of The National Dress of Scotland.

Or, they are impractical overpriced luxury fashion costume items for fops, dandies, snobs, and stuffed shirts, etc.
[Incorrect, unfair, and offensive exaggeration.]

It is also frugal in the narrow and short-term sense to acquire a mass produced kilt of “sufficient” quality materials and modern machine mass-produced construction. Such a garment can last as long as any other casual or economy clothing. The tartan examples pay respect to The National Dress of Scotland.

Or, they are trash, garbage, rubbish, and cheap plastic dishrags for punks, slobs, hooligans, and those who don’t know any better, etc. [Incorrect, unfair, and offensive exaggeration.]

Really, which side of the fence are you on?

I am not frugal. I am cheap. Frugal means not buying something because you really don't need it. Cheap is digging deeper for a lower price whether you need it or not. Frank

I think that I am cheap too, but the joy of finding a real deal... now that is... I see Jay has a few thoughts on this.

I think you are looking for an answer to your question of Why, not a definition of frugal, cheap miserly, thrifty, and the many other definitions of knowing value for dollar/pound/rubal/peso.

Yes, Why? That is what I want to know, Why am I so darned frugal. Mind you, I am happiest being frugal.

To me, and in my understanding, folks from our background take their heritage from people who lived in a harsh land. They had little, and had to make the most of what they had. These lessons were passed on to us.

Yes, my biggest complaint growing up was that I did not get enough meat at the dinner table!

High quality always means high value. High quality for a lower price equates to higher value. Bargaining for a still cheaper price elevates the value still higher. Making the same valued item yourself, or trading an un-wanted item for it is probably the highest of achievements! We really appreciate a good deal!

Yes, the thrill of the exceptional good value, bordering on stealing a good deal.

This same type of frugal-ness can be found in children of the great depression. They (and we, by condition and training) are reluctant to spend money on perceived frivolities, but are not reluctant to spend on requirements.

We (Scottish [kilt wearers]) have determined that we NEED to be kilted. So we have less of a problem spending money on that expense.

What ever label you put on this quality is immaterial. Frugal, cheap, miserly, thrifty, what-ever! What is a fact is that we (as a group) can recognize value when we see it, and are angry and dissatisfied when we are led on or do not receive value for our money.

Here! Here!