SHIBBOLETH

PRONUNCIATION: (SHIB-uh-lith, -leth)

MEANING: noun:
1. The use of a word or pronunciation that distinguishes a group of people.
2. A slogan, belief, or custom that's now considered outmoded.

ETYMOLOGY: According to the Book of Judges in the Bible, the Gileadites used the Hebrew word shibboleth (ear of corn; stream) to identify the fleeing Ephraimites who couldn't pronounce the sh sound. 42,000 Ephraimites were slaughtered. Earliest documented use: 1382.


SHIBBOLESH - A failed Field Sobriety tesht -- oops, "test"