Definition of the word gopher

The word "gopher" originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. It is believed to have come from the Algonquian languages, specifically the Ojibwe or Chippewa language. In these languages, "gope" or "goph_locator" means "to dig" or "bury". Early French explorers and traders in North America adopted the word, modifying it to "gopher" to describe the small, burrowing rodents that were abundant in the region. Over time, the term became applied not only to the animal but also to humans, particularly in a military context, to refer to soldiers who performed underground tunneling work or engineering tasks. Today, the term "gopher" is still used in various ways, including in sports, to describe a player who retrieves and carries the ball or puck, as well as in engineering and construction to describe tunneling equipment.