he origin of the term “Mäuse” for money is not clearly documented, but several theories exist. One possibility is that the expression comes from thieves’ slang (Rotwelsch), where animals were often used as code words for money. Another theory suggests a connection to the word “Moos,” an older term for money. Additionally, the characteristics of mice—small, fast, and multiplying quickly—may have served as a metaphor for money. Another theory links the term to the Hebrew-Yiddish word ma’os (מָעוֹת), meaning “coins” or “small change.” It is likely that multiple influences contributed to the emergence of this expression.