Is the term ‘credit crunch’ a psychological scare? ?

Question by journalistneil: Is the term ‘credit crunch’ a psychological scare? ?
Ok, so the planet is at present experiencing a monetary crisis. Everybody knows it and is feeling the pinch. I am myself.

But where did the term ‘credit crunch’ originate? When was it very first used? I hate hearing the term personally, I uncover it irritating. Is it just psychological? Are firms employing this as an excuse to raise costs and governments to raise taxes?

I am interested to hear your views. I am not suggesting it doesn’t exist, just wondering if it is getting exaggerated by over use?

Ideal answer:

Answer by src50
No. the credit market freezeup is genuine – albeit triggered by excessive effortless credit and improper securitization of that debt.
The term “bailout” is a misnomer.

What do you feel? Answer under!