In North America … being called ‘cheap’ is almost an insult as if to suggest someone is always tight with their money or doesn’t want to pay for things or constantly never wants to pay full price for things
Being ‘frugal’ is more open meaning that just means someone wants to save money and be mindful of their spending.
I don’t understand the joke part. That’s sound very normal to me.
In North America … being called ‘cheap’ is almost an insult as if to suggest someone is always tight with their money or doesn’t want to pay for things or constantly never wants to pay full price for things
Being ‘frugal’ is more open meaning that just means someone wants to save money and be mindful of their spending.