He Wouldn't Spend Christmas

Here's an explanation of the Irish saying "He wouldn't spend Christmas," an old saying that describes someone who doesn't like to spend much.

We'll delve in with a good splash of Irish charm, a few local idioms, and the kind of turn of phrase you'd hear around the fire with a mug of tae in hand.

Meaning of the Saying - He Wouldn't Spend Christmas

When we say "He wouldn't spend Christmas", we're not talking about a lad who's not into the festive spirit or anything like that.

No, no - what we really mean is that he's as tight as a duck's arse in water. Miserly to the bone. The kind of fella that'd count the teabags and reuse them twice.

Origin of Saying

The origin of the phrase is pure Irish wit, like most of our best expressions.

See, Christmas is the one time of year you'd expect even the stingiest soul to open the purse strings a bit to buy a few bits for the kids, lash out for the turkey, maybe even throw in a box of Roses (Irish chocolates).

So if a person wouldn't even spend Christmas, then you can be certain, he wouldn't spend a cent the whole year round. He'd squeeze a euro 'til the harp played a tune.

We'd often say it with a bit of a smirk, like this: "Yer man? He wouldn't spend Christmas, let alone buy a round."

Life Applications?

Ah sure, you could apply it to all sorts - that co-worker who never throws into the birthday card collection, the uncle who turns up empty-handed to every family do, or even the fella who magically disappears when it's his round at the pub.

But beware - it's not always cruel. Sometimes it's said in jest, a bit of gentle slagging.

Other times though, it's a pure dig - especially if you've been left footing the bill.

So next time you hear someone say "He wouldn't spend Christmas", just know: You're dealing with someone so tight they'd make a locked door look generous.

Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.