Where did the term tightwad originate?

The term "tightwad" originated in the United States during the early 20th century, with its earliest recorded use dating back to around 1914. It is believed to be a combination of "tight," meaning unwilling to spend money, and "wad," referring to a bundle of cash. The term conveys a sense of frugality and stinginess, often used to describe someone who is excessively reluctant to part with their money.