Gjerrighet

Gjerrighet is a Norwegian term describing stinginess or miserliness—the reluctance to part with money, goods, or resources even when sharing would be appropriate. The noun denotes a disposition to minimize giving or spending and is typically perceived as a negative trait in social and moral discussions. The word is formed from the adjective gjerrig (stingy) with the abstract noun suffix -het. Related terms exist in Danish (gjerrighed) and Swedish (girighet), reflecting a common cultural concern with generosity and restraint.

Etymology and usage notes indicate that gjerrighet centers on withholding rather than on greed for wealth as such. In everyday language, it contrasts with generosity and practical thrift, where prudent budgeting is not judged harshly. The nuance matters: mild thrift may be valued in some contexts, while persistent miserliness is criticized.

In ethics, religion, and culture, gjerrighet is often framed as a vice to be overcome through charitable acts and communal solidarity. However, moral discussions also recognize complex factors such as insecurity, fear of loss, or social norms that influence how people give. In psychology and behavioral economics, stinginess is explored alongside altruism and reciprocity, examining how individual traits and situational cues shape sharing decisions.

Today, the term appears in discussions about welfare, philanthropy, personal finance, and interpersonal relations, where it is commonly used to label a tendency to withhold resources rather than a balanced approach to budgeting.