The term "piggy bank" refers to a small container designed for holding and saving coins. Its spelling can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "pig," is pronounced with a short "i" sound (/ɪ/), followed by a hard "g" sound (/ɡ/). The second syllable, "gy," is pronounced with a soft "g" sound (/dʒi/). Together, these sounds create the familiar term "piggy bank" that is commonly used by children and adults alike.
A piggy bank is a small container, typically made of ceramic or plastic, used by individuals, especially children, to accumulate and store loose coins, often with the intention of saving up for future use. The term "piggy bank" derives from the traditional shape of these containers, which resemble a pig with a small slot on top for inserting coins. This playful design aims to encourage a culture of saving and financial responsibility from an early age.
The primary purpose of a piggy bank is to serve as a repository for spare change, acting as a simple yet effective tool for teaching money management skills. As individuals accumulate coins over time, the piggy bank provides a convenient way to collect and preserve these savings until they are ready to be counted and potentially put to use. Oftentimes, the piggy bank is perceived as a physical representation of one's financial goals, fostering a sense of achievement and motivation to save.
While piggy banks are commonly associated with children, many adults also make use of them to save for specific purposes, such as vacations or emergency funds. In addition to their practical function, piggy banks can also hold sentimental value, often becoming cherished keepsakes that evoke nostalgic memories of childhood. In modern times, piggy banks have evolved to include a diverse range of designs and variations, including electronic versions that track savings digitally.
The word "piggy bank" has an interesting etymology. The term originated in the mid-19th century and is a combination of two separate elements.
Firstly, "piggy" comes from the Middle English word "pigge", which means "earthenware jar or pot". This term evolved from the Old English word "pigge", referring to a large earthenware vessel.
Secondly, a "bank" refers to a financial institution where people deposit and withdraw money. This term originated from the Italian word "banca", meaning "bench" or "counter", as Renaissance bankers conducted their business from benches in public marketplaces.
When these two elements were combined, "piggy bank" referred to a small container, often made of ceramic or porcelain, resembling a pig. In the past, these containers were used to store money.