Squirrelling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the noun 'squirrel', which describes the behavior of storing food.
• The act of squirrelling can be traced back to old English terms related to hiding or saving.
• In many languages, the words for squirrel are connected to themes of saving or storing due to their habits.

Cultural Significance

• In various cultures, squirrels are symbols of preparation and caution, often represented in folklore as wise creatures.
• The term is often used in financial contexts to describe saving money for emergencies or future plans.
• Cartoons and children's stories typically depict squirrels gathering nuts, reinforcing the idea of saving for tough times.

Psychology

• Research shows that the act of squirrelling may relate to an individual’s mindset on security and preparation.
• People who frequently save or store items often report feeling a sense of control over their future.
• The psychology of squirrelling highlights the balance between enjoying the present and preparing for future needs.

Nature

• Squirrels use their acute memory to locate food they have buried, showcasing their intelligence in squirrelling away resources.
• Different species of squirrels exhibit different squirrelling behaviors, with some creating complex caches of food.
• The natural behavior of squirrelling is crucial for forest growth, as squirrels inadvertently plant seeds when they hide nuts.

Finance

• Squirrelling can be a metaphor for saving money, especially in personal finance to build an emergency fund.
• Many financial advisors encourage individuals to adopt a 'squirrelling' mindset to manage budgeting effectively.
• In financial contexts, squirrelling often involves setting aside funds for long-term goals like retirement or education.