Definition of piggy bank

The term "piggy bank" originated in the early 19th century in England, where it was commonly known as a "pigg'ny bank". The name is attributed to the resemblance of the original shape of the bank to that of a pig. The original design of a piggy bank featured a small, clay pot shaped like a pig's body, complete with a curved snout, small ears, and four legs. The clay pot had a small opening at the top, which was narrow enough to deter children from easily removing coins placed inside. The concept of using a piggy bank as a savings device began during the Industrial Revolution, when new technologies made it easier to produce these ceramic objects cheaply and in large quantities. Children were encouraged to save their pennies in a piggy bank with the hope that it would eventually convert them into larger sums of money. The term "pigg'ny bank" became widely used in both England and America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Over time, the name has been shortened to simply "piggy bank". Today, piggy banks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional ceramic pigs to modern plastic and metal designs. However, the basic principle of the savings device remains the same: to encourage children to save their money for a rainy day.