shibboleth

[ shib-uh-lith, ‑-leth ]

noun

1. a peculiarity of pronunciation, behavior, mode of dress, etc., that distinguishes a particular class or set of persons.
2. a slogan; catchword.
3. a common saying or belief with little current meaning or truth.

shibboleth

/ ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ /

noun

1. a belief, principle, or practice which is commonly adhered to but which is thought by some people to be inappropriate or out of date
2. a custom, phrase, or use of language that acts as a test of belonging to, or as a stumbling block to becoming a member of, a particular social class, profession, etc

shibboleth

1. In the Old Testament , shibboleth was a password used by the Israelites . It was chosen because their enemies could not pronounce it.

Notes

By extension, a shibboleth is an often-repeated slogan. It also means an arbitrary test to prove membership in a group.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shibboleth¹

From Hebrew shibbōleth literally, “freshet,” a word used by the Gileadites as a test to detect the fleeing Ephraimites, who could not pronounce the sound sh (Judges 12:4–6)

Word History and Origins

Origin of shibboleth¹

C14: from Hebrew, literally: ear of grain; the word is used in the Old Testament by the Gileadites as a test word for the Ephraimites, who could not pronounce the sound sh

Example Sentences

We often hear the old shibboleth that “we’re fighting them abroad, so we won’t have to fight them at home.”

From Time

Herzog was never just a novel; from the beginning it was a symbol, a crucible, a shibboleth.

From The Daily Beast

In all large towns a few of this complexion may be found; and in Preston odd ones exist whose shibboleth is “Christian Brethren.”

From Project Gutenberg

And the Spaniard, as he uttered this emphatic shibboleth, gnashed his teeth with vexation.

From Project Gutenberg

Why is a gentleman of property to be kept out in the cold by some O'Mullins because he will not mutter an unmeaning shibboleth?

From Project Gutenberg

And the physical Hakim could by no test or shibboleth be prevented from silently introducing the spiritual Hakim.

From Project Gutenberg

She had none of the shibboleth spirit that leads certain people to die or slay for a pronunciation.

From Project Gutenberg