What is the origin of the idiom "number cruncher" and when to use it?

The origin of the term "number cruncher" is rooted in the literal meaning of the words. "Number" refers to numerical figures or quantities, and "cruncher" suggests the act of processing or manipulating those numbers. The term likely emerged in the mid-20th century with the rise of computing and data analysis. Over time, the term gained figurative usage to describe anyone who deals extensively with numerical analysis or calculations, regardless of whether they use manual or computational methods.