starvation corner
n.— «Mr. Keene was the person who worked up the starvation corner in grain a couple of years ago. He would have starved the poor men of America if he could in order to have swelled his bank account.» —National Police Gazette May 17, 1884. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Howdy! Ever hear questions that are really veiled criticism, or apologies that are actually excuses? That, and more, in our latest episode: language for resolving personal conflict, in like Flynn, gradoo, Irish pennants, champing, and a silly rule...
Someone who’s cheap or just likes to complain that they don’t have much money are said to be poormouthing. This expression goes back to at least the 1850’s, and originated in the American South, although now it’s more...