Squirrelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Cultural References

• In various cultures, squirrels are seen as symbols of preparation and resourcefulness due to their habit of storing food.
• Popular children's stories often feature squirrels as characters that embody cleverness and foresight, enhancing the meaning of 'squirrelled' as being thoughtful.
• The phrase 'squirrel it away' is commonly used in financial contexts to imply saving money discreetly.

Literature

• In modern narratives, characters who 'squirrel' important items are often depicted as wise or cautious, emphasizing a theme of preparedness.
• A notable example is in the children’s book 'The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin' by Beatrix Potter, which illustrates the cleverness of squirrels.
• The act of 'squirreling away' items can also symbolize secrets and hidden treasures in adventure and mystery novels.

Psychology

• Research suggests that some people are naturally inclined to store items for future use, akin to the instinctive behavior of squirrels.
• The behavior of hoarding can be traced back to primal survival instincts, where storing food was essential for living through harsh seasons.
• In psychology, the term 'squirrelled' can also relate to individuals who maintain an emotional reserve, keeping feelings or memories secured.

Pop Culture

• The term 'squirrelled' appears in various movies and shows as a metaphor for careful planning or keeping secrets.
• In video games, characters often 'squirrel' away resources to prepare for future challenges, reflecting strategic gameplay.
• Social media influencers occasionally use the term playfully to describe saving money or making smart investments.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'squirrel' comes from the Old French word 'esquirel,' which means a small rodent.
• The action of 'squirrelling' is derived from the behavior of squirrels who store food for later.
• In English, the transformation of the word reflects both literal and metaphorical meanings of keeping things safe.

The term 'squirrel' dates back to the 14th century and originates from the Old French word 'esquirre' and further from the Latin word 'sciurus', which means 'shadow tail.' The verb form 'to squirrel' is derived from the behavior of squirrels, which are known for their habit of storing food nuts for winter. The use of 'squirrelled' as a verb to signify saving or hiding something in a secretive manner draws on this behavior, likening the action to how squirrels stash away their food. This metaphorical use of the term emphasizes the idea of prudent planning and resourcefulness, often applied in the context of financial savings but can extend to any manner of secretive storage or saving.