shibboleth

• Substantiv, das einen Brauch, ein Prinzip oder eine Überzeugung bezeichnet, die eine bestimmte Gruppe auszeichnen, oder eine charakteristische Sprechweise, die eine Person als zu einer bestimmten sozialen oder regionalen Gruppe gehörend erkennbar macht.

A noun referring to a custom, principle, or belief that distinguishes a particular group, or a distinctive manner of speaking that identifies someone as belonging to a specific social or regional group.

1. A custom or principleC1formal

   A belief, custom, or phrase that is characteristic of a particular group, often used to identify members of that group.

   Erkennungszeichen einer Gruppe

   • The phrase 'think outside the box' has become a corporate shibboleth.
   • Political parties often use shibboleths to rally their supporters.
   • The group's shibboleth was a secret handshake known only to members.

   Synonymebywordcatchwordcriterionmottoslogantestwatchword

2. A linguistic markerC1formal

   A word or pronunciation that distinguishes a person as belonging to a particular social or regional group.

   Sprachliches Erkennungsmerkmal

   • The pronunciation of 'schedule' can be a shibboleth for British versus American English.
   • In some regions, the word 'pop' is a shibboleth for soda.
   • His accent was a shibboleth that revealed his rural upbringing.