Shibboleth

/ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A custom, practice, or belief that distinguishes one group of people from another.

The use of certain dialects can serve as a shibboleth to identify regional origins.

A word or phrase that is used to distinguish members of a particular group or class.

His pronunciation of 'peculiar' served as a shibboleth that revealed his elite background.

A password or slogan that is used to identify members of a group.

The secret shibboleth allowed them to enter the exclusive club.

A distinguishing mark or characteristic.

Environmental sustainability has become a shibboleth among the modern activists.

From Hebrew שיבולת (šibbóleth) meaning 'an ear of grain'.

shibboleth of the elite

A phrase indicating a distinguishing characteristic of a privileged group.

cultural shibboleth

A custom or practice that serves to identify cultural group membership.

political shibboleth

A belief or doctrine that acts as a dividing line in politics.

custom

A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.

credential

Documents or certificates proving a person's qualifications.

jargon

Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.

A secret phrase or word used by a particular group.

The insiders used a specific term as their shibboleth to identify fellow members.

Any way to recognize whether someone belongs to a social group.

Her way of referencing certain trends was a shibboleth that she was part of the in-crowd.