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.
I'm secretly saving money without my wife knowing.
He bought a new camera with his secret savings.
貯金 is general savings, while へそくり specifically implies money hidden from family or partners.
隠し金 is a more direct term for hidden money, but へそくり carries a lighter, often domestic nuance.
secret savings; nest egg
Standard kana spelling; the word is usually written in kana.
Katakana spelling, sometimes used for emphasis or in casual writing.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
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.