the word 'squeaker' is a transparent english formation built upon the onomatopoeic verb 'squeak'. the verb itself, emerging in middle english, imitates a short, high-pitched cry or sound, such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge. by adding the agentive suffix '-er', which has old english and germanic roots, the noun is formed to denote 'one who or that which squeaks'. this logical construction allows the word to extend metaphorically from literal sound-makers to describe any contest won by the narrowest of margins, evoking the image of a tense, close outcome that might metaphorically 'squeak by'.

Structure: squeak (squeak) + er (agent suffix) squeak (of imitative origin, from middle english squeken, to utter a sharp, high-pitched sound) + er (from old english -ere, agent noun suffix, indicating a person or thing that performs an action).