American reluctant to pay for a bun? (8)

I believe the answer is:

tightwad

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'american' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for tightwad that I've seen before include "Mean person (US)" , "Miser (sl.)" , "Skinflint" , "Miserly person" , "Cheapskate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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