shibboleth

Meaning

1. A particular pronunciation or custom that is regarded as distinguishing members of a group from non-members, especially when used as a test.
2. A common or longstanding belief, custom, or catchphrase associated with a particular group, especially one with little current meaning or truth.

Synonyms

catchword

slogan

motto

parole

password

phrase

access code

watchword

access key

countersign

Translations

santo y seña

shibboleth

Schibboleth

wachtwoord

contraseña

shibboleth

ağız

Erkennungszeichen

motto

épigraphe

mot de passe

slogan

parola

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈʃɪbəlɛθ/

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Biblical Hebrew שִׁבֹּלֶת /שיבולת (šibbṓleṯ, “ear [of wheat] or stream, torrent”). Doublet of sebboleth and Middle English sebolech, both from Late Latin sebboleth in the Vulgate.