Question

denotation vs the connotation for cheap, frugal

Answer 1

Hello!

The denotation of a word is simply the definition of the word.
The connotation of a word is how people perceive it. 

For the word cheap, the denotation would be the official definition (inexpensive). The connotation would be that a person is unwilling to pay a certain amount of money. This is a rather negative connotation since it is used to describe a negative trait. 

I hope this helps answer your question! Have a great day!

Answer 2

Cheap has a negative connotation as if someone were to be cheap, they would not want to spend their money for any reason.

Frugal has a positive connotation meaning a person is responsible with their money and won't spend it on things that aren’t needed.