shibboleth

American  

[shib-uh-lith, ‑-leth] / ˈʃɪb ə lɪθ, ‑ˌlɛθ /

noun

1. a peculiarity of pronunciation, behavior, mode of dress, etc., that distinguishes a particular class or set of persons.

2. a slogan; catchword.

3. a common saying or belief with little current meaning or truth.

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shibboleth British  

/ ˈʃɪbəˌlɛθ /

noun

1. a belief, principle, or practice which is commonly adhered to but which is thought by some people to be inappropriate or out of date

2. a custom, phrase, or use of language that acts as a test of belonging to, or as a stumbling block to becoming a member of, a particular social class, profession, etc

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shibboleth Cultural  

1. In the Old Testament, shibboleth was a password used by the Israelites. It was chosen because their enemies could not pronounce it.

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Discover More

By extension, a shibboleth is an often-repeated slogan. It also means an arbitrary test to prove membership in a group.

Etymology

Origin of shibboleth

From Hebrew shibbōleth literally, “freshet,” a word used by the Gileadites as a test to detect the fleeing Ephraimites, who could not pronounce the sound sh (Judges 12:4–6)

Example Sentences

“Don’t fight the Fed” is a financial market shibboleth most investors learn at a very early stage in their career.

From Barron's

“The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent,” is a financial industry shibboleth most investors have learned through a great deal of pain.

From Barron's

This is the shibboleth that no fault must ever attach to the electorate.

From Salon

They’re the contrarian at the party who delights in puncturing polite shibboleths, unafraid to take on even their own tribes in pursuit of a deeper truth.

From Los Angeles Times

In violation of virtually every shibboleth governing the conduct of samurai, her father assassinated a brutal lord for the sake of the realm.

From New York Times