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shortchange

|short/change|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈʃɔrtˌtʃeɪndʒ/

🇬🇧

/ˈʃɔːtˌtʃeɪndʒ/

unfair treatment

Etymology
Etymology Information

'shortchange' originates from the combination of 'short' and 'change,' where 'short' meant 'lacking' and 'change' referred to 'money returned.'

Historical Evolution

'shortchange' evolved from the practice of giving less change than due, eventually becoming a term for any form of unfair treatment.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to give less change,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'treating someone unfairly.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to give less than the correct amount of change to someone, usually unintentionally.

The cashier accidentally shortchanged me by $5.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to treat someone unfairly by giving them less than they deserve.

The company shortchanged its employees by not paying overtime.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42