noun
secret savings; hidden money; nest egg
Refers to money saved secretly, often by a spouse or family member without the knowledge of others. Commonly used in domestic contexts.
妻に内緒でへそくりをためている。
I'm secretly saving money without my wife knowing.
彼はへそくりで新しいカメラを買った。
He bought a new camera with his secret savings.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
The origin is uncertain. One theory suggests it derives from 綜麻繰り (へそくり), an old term for winding hemp yarn, possibly linked to the idea of secretly putting something aside. The kanji 臍 (navel) is likely ateji.