noun

shibboleth

SHIB-uh-leth

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Shibboleth (noun) means a word, pronunciation, or custom used to identify members of a particular group and mark them out from outsiders. Example: “His accent acted as a shibboleth that revealed which region he was from.”

noun

A word, pronunciation, or custom used to identify members of a particular group and mark them out from outsiders.

"His accent acted as a shibboleth that revealed which region he was from."

"Certain slang terms work as a shibboleth among online communities."

"The secret handshake served as a shibboleth for club members."

A belief, custom, or catchphrase repeated by a group that has lost most of its real meaning.

"Critics called the old campaign slogan an empty shibboleth."

"Some economic shibboleths go unquestioned for decades."

How to use shibboleth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shibboleth is a word or habit that shows whether someone belongs to a particular group.

When to use it

It is a formal, literary word rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of it as an in-group password: saying it the expected way marks you as an insider.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

political shibboleth cultural shibboleth dismissed as a shibboleth an old shibboleth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His accent acted as a _____ that revealed which region he was from.

Etymology

Shibboleth is a learned borrowing from Biblical Hebrew, where the original word meant an ear of grain or a stream. It reached English partly by way of Late Latin sebboleth in the Vulgate.

Origin: Hebrew

Synonyms

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slogan motto catchword

Related words

saying motto slogan mantra catchword catchphrase

Frequently asked questions

What does shibboleth mean?

It means a word or custom that marks someone as belonging to a particular group, or a group's catchphrase that has lost much of its meaning.

Where does the word shibboleth come from?

It comes from Biblical Hebrew, where it originally meant an ear of grain or a stream.

What is an example of a shibboleth?

A particular pronunciation, password, or custom that reveals whether someone belongs to a group.

What is the meaning of shibboleth?

"shibboleth" (noun) means a word, pronunciation, or custom used to identify members of a particular group and mark them out from outsiders.

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