Chip squirrel is a phrase commonly used to refer to a person, typically a child, who hoards or hides away small food items, particularly chips or other snack foods. The term combines two distinct concepts: "chip" refers to a small, thin piece of food, such as a potato chip, and "squirrel" alludes to the behavior of squirrels, known for collecting and storing nuts for future consumption.
In the context of human behavior, a chip squirrel is someone who accumulates snacks, often in excessive quantities, and stores them away for later enjoyment. This behavior can manifest as hiding chips in various places, such as under pillows, within drawers, or even in secret hiding spots known only to the individual. Chip squirrels tend to be cautious in their hoarding, carefully planning and executing their storage activities to prevent others from discovering their hidden stash.
The term can also metaphorically describe a person who obsessively collects or accumulates other small objects, unrelated to food, in a manner similar to the chip-hoarding habits of a squirrel. This could be in the context of a collector who amasses a large quantity of items, such as coins, stamps, or toys, and keeps them hidden away from view.
Ultimately, chip squirrel refers to an individual's tendency to accumulate and safeguard small, perishable items, often delicious snacks, mimicking the behavior of squirrels storing nuts for the winter months.
