Squirreled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Natural Behavior

• Squirrels are known for their incredible memory; they can remember the locations of thousands of buried nuts, which is crucial for their survival.
• When food is scarce, squirrels will dig up their hidden supplies, demonstrating not just the act of storing, but also the necessity of retrieval.
• In addition to nuts, squirrels also hide seeds and even mushrooms, adapting their behavior according to seasonal availability.

Cultural References

• The imagery of a squirrel storing food has permeated various cultures, symbolizing preparation and foresight.
• In many children's stories and cartoons, squirrels are often depicted as hoarders, teaching lessons about hard work and planning for the future.
• The phrase 'squirreled away' is often used in literature and media to describe characters who save money or resources, highlighting a typical human trait.

Psychology

• Studies suggest that the ability to ‘squirrel away’ resources relates to fundamental survival instincts observed in both animals and humans.
• Psychological research links saving behaviors to feelings of security and control over one’s future, similar to how animals store food against starvation.
• Hoarding behaviors in humans echo the instinct to save resources for uncertain times, mirroring the behavior of squirrels.

Economics

• In economic terms, to 'squirrel away' money usually implies saving conservatively, akin to an emergency fund.
• The practice of setting aside money can be traced back to ancient trade where individuals would reserve surplus goods for later use.
• Financial advisers often recommend ‘squirreling away’ funds for retirement, underscoring the importance of preparation and foresight.

Main points about word origin

• The term 'squirreled' comes from the noun 'squirrel', which is derived from the Old French word 'esquirel', and ultimately from a Latin word meaning 'shade' or 'shadow'.
• The verb form began to be used in the 19th century, reflecting the animal's behavior of hiding food.
• Like the squirrel's habit, this word has taken on a figurative meaning, used in various contexts of secretive storage or saving.

The term 'squirrel' originates from the Old French word 'escurueil', which in turn comes from the Latin 'sciurus', derived from the Greek 'skiouros'. This Greek term literally translates to 'shade tail', referencing the bushy tail of the animal. The verb form 'squirrel' was first used in English during the late 14th century and has evolved to include the broader sense of storing away. The notion of squirrels gathering and hiding nuts during autumn for winter consumption has greatly influenced the verb's connotation of secretive saving, leading to its figurative usage in financial and resource management contexts.

At position #40,059, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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