PoliticsAugust 27, 2026

shibboleths

SHIB-uh-luths

Definition

Long-standing beliefs, customs, or catchphrases held by a specific group that distinguish them from others, often used to identify who belongs to the group or who is considered an outsider.

Etymology

The word comes from the Hebrew word 'shibboleth,' meaning 'ear of corn' or 'stream,' which appeared in the Bible (Judges 12:6) as a test word used to identify members of a specific tribe by their pronunciation.

In the news

The author notes that Kendall frequently challenged the 'shibboleths of mainstream conservatism,' meaning the conventional or unquestioned ideas that define the group's political identity.

The Eclectic Genius of Willmoore Kendall – Matthew T. Cantirino

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Law & Liberty

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