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Shibboleth: meaning, definitions and examples

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shibboleth

 

[ ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cultural reference

A shibboleth is a word, phrase, or custom that distinguishes one group of people from others. It often serves as a password or a verbal marker of identity for a particular community. The term originates from a biblical story in which the Gileadites used the word 'shibboleth' to identify members of their group from the enemy, who could not pronounce it correctly. In contemporary usage, shibboleths can be linguistic traits, slang, or specific behaviors that are recognized by members of a group. They function to signal belonging and can sometimes serve to exclude outsiders.

Synonyms

custom, identifier, marker

Examples of usage

  • Using specific dialects can be a shibboleth.
  • The group's insider jokes acted as their shibboleth.
  • Pronunciation can often serve as a shibboleth among communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "shibboleth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 shibboleth

🇮🇳 शिब्बोलेथ

🇩🇪 Shibboleth

🇮🇩 shibboleth

🇺🇦 шибболет

🇵🇱 shibboleth

🇯🇵 シボレト

🇫🇷 shibboleth

🇪🇸 shibboleth

🇹🇷 shibboleth

🇰🇷 시보렛

🇸🇦 شيبوليت

🇨🇿 shibboleth

🇸🇰 shibboleth

🇨🇳 希伯来语

🇸🇮 shibboleth

🇮🇸 shibboleth

🇰🇿 шибболет

🇬🇪 შიბბოლეთ

🇦🇿 shibboleth

🇲🇽 shibboleth

Etymology

The word 'shibboleth' is derived from a story in the Hebrew Bible (Judges 12:5-6) where the Gileadites used this term as a test of identity against the Ephraimites during a conflict. The Ephraimites, unable to pronounce the 'sh' sound, were identified and captured. This story highlights how language and pronunciation can act as barriers or bridges between different groups. Since that time, 'shibboleth' has evolved in its usage to encompass broader meanings beyond just phonetic tests; it represents social markers, cultural references, and status symbols. The idea captures the essence of group identity and mutual exclusivity based on shared language or customs. In the modern era, the term has taken on various connotations in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and in discussions of cultural appropriation and social boundaries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,121 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.