[1] The concept originated in Freudian psychoanalytic theory, where one aspect of the anal stage of psychosexual development is pleasure in the retention of feces.
Fixation in this stage can potentially result in a personality marked by frugality, obstinacy and orderliness.
[2] Despite its psychoanalytic roots and the literal meaning of the words, in common usage the term generally refers merely to certain kinds of obsessive behaviour.
Freud posited that children who experience conflicts during this stage may develop certain fixations or personality traits.
If the association of the libido with the anal erogenous zone and excretory function is not satisfactorily resolved (for example, as a result of the child being too frequently or severely chastised for toilet training accidents), so-called 'anal retentive' character traits, such as excessive orderliness, stubbornness, and compulsions for control, may develop at a later stage.