Definition

A word, phrase, or custom that is used to identify members of a particular group, often revealing outsiders or distinguishing between different groups.

Example

The term 'y'all' is a shibboleth that indicates someone is from the southern United States.

Conversation

Have you heard that new phrase people are using?

Yeah, it's like a shibboleth for the younger crowd.

Exactly! If you don’t know it, you definitely feel left out.

Totally! It’s interesting how language can create such divides.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shibboleth originates from Hebrew 'שִׁבֹּלֶת' (shibboleth), meaning an ear of grain or stream. In the biblical context, it was used as a test word to distinguish between different groups of people based on their pronunciation.

Memory Tip

Think of the Hebrew word for an ear of grain, which was used as a way to identify people by how they pronounced it. This helps you remember that a shibboleth is a way to distinguish one group from another.

Visually Confused Words