shibboleth
(noun) a manner of speaking that is distinctive of a particular group of people
motto, slogan, catchword, shibboleth
(noun) a favorite saying of a sect or political group
Source: WordNet® 3.1
shibboleth (plural shibboleths)
A word, especially seen as a test, to distinguish someone as belonging to a particular nation, class, profession etc.
A common or longstanding belief, custom, or catchphrase associated with a particular group, especially one with little current meaning or truth.
Synonyms: platitude, slogan, truism
Source: Wiktionary
Shib"bo*leth, n. Etym: [Heb. shibboleth an ear of corn, or a stream, a flood.]
1. A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. See Judges xii. Without reprieve, adjudged to death, For want of well pronouncing shibboleth. Milton.
Definition: Also in an extended sense. The th, with its twofold value, is . . . the shibboleth of foreigners. Earle.
2. Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a party cry or pet phrase.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
23 December 2024
(noun) Australian tree having hard white timber and glossy green leaves with white flowers followed by one-seeded glossy blue fruit
The earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking as the modern beverage appeared in modern-day Yemen. In the middle of the 15th century in Sufi shrines where coffee seeds were first roasted and brewed for drinking. The Yemenis procured the coffee beans from the Ethiopian Highlands.