phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Squirely

Posted by James Briggs on June 27, 2003

In Reply to: Squirely posted by R. Berg on June 27, 2003

: : Does anyone know what the term "squirely" really means and where it came from? Thanks!

: Are you thinking of "squirrelly," meaning like a squirrel? It describes someone who's ditzy, scatterbrained, flaky. Squirrels run around a lot and often change direction.That's my guess about where it came from.

It could mean 'acting like a squire'. Squires were local dignitaries in 18th century England, usually the most prosperous and influential person below the nobility.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.