Squirrelling - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

financial saving

Squirrelling refers to the act of saving or hoarding money, often in a secretive or cautious manner. This term draws an analogy with how squirrels collect and store nuts in preparation for the winter. People often engage in squirrelling when they want to ensure financial security or when they're saving for a specific goal or future need. It suggests a certain level of foresight and planning, as well as a degree of prudence in managing one's finances.

Synonyms

economizing, hoarding, saving, stashing.

Examples of usage

She has been squirrelling away money for her trip.
He started squirrelling funds for retirement.
During the pandemic, many began squirrelling cash for emergencies.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'squirrelling'

Main points about word origin

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.

The term 'squirrel' has its origins in the Middle English word 'squirel', derived from the Old French 'esquiral', which itself comes from the Latin 'sciurus', meaning 'shadow tail'. This reflects the characteristic behavior of squirrels in natural settings, where they are often seen gathering and storing food for later. The verb 'squirrelling' emerged in modern usage as a metaphor for saving money, drawing parallel comparisons between the instinctual behavior of squirrels and human tendencies to save and prepare for the future. As financial awareness has grown, so too has the popularity of the term, often used in personal finance discussions and by individuals looking to cultivate a more secure financial future.

Squirrelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations