Q WHAT is the meaning of the word shibboleth. I believe it was used in the Bible? - Bill Huthinson, Chester-le-Street.

A A shibboleth is a word that is often used to describe a distinguishing feature of a local dialect or language. It derives from a Hebrew word, but its meaning is uncertain. Some say that the Hebrew word meant stream in flood, and that this derived from another Hebrew word iblet. Others believe it meant ear of corn.

The word is used in the Bible in Judges 12:5-6 where it occurs in the following passage: "The men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; Then said they unto him, Say now shibboleth: and he said sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him."

In the dialects of today, a shibboleth might be a particular word or sound that is often difficult for an outsider to pronounce. It might also be regarded as a test word for a particular dialect or a word or pronunciation that distinguishes a dialect speaker of one particular social class from that of another. It can even be religious.

It is said that it was once possible to distinguish a Liverpudlian of Protestant background from a Liverpudlian of Irish Catholic background by their pronunciation of the phrase "fairly early". Protestants said "furly urly" in traditional Lancashire fashion whilst Catholics said "fairly airly".

Shibboleths can be local, regional or social. For example the pronunciation of the g sound in words like wrong, strong and long is considered to be a regional shibboleth of north west England.

Shibboleths can also be applied to customs mannerism, style or expression. They are often used to attack an enemy or opponent. For example, Labour supporters might look for social features or forms of behaviour that they consider typical of Conservative supporters.

Shibboleths can also be applied to individuals as well as groups of people. An individual might, for example, have a favourite catch phrase that they often use or a particular mannerism that is their own personal shibboleth.

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