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Shibboleth

usgb/ˈʃɪbəleθ/Volume
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LampPro Tip 1/3

Group Identification

Shibboleth can reveal if someone belongs to a particular group through specific language use.

Illustration for Group Identification
Her use of local slang was a shibboleth that proved she was a native.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Insider Knowledge

Understanding a shibboleth may require insider knowledge exclusive to a certain community.

Illustration for Insider Knowledge
Only a programmer would understand that technical jargon was a shibboleth of the coding community.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Nuance

Some shibboleths are subtle and can easily be missed if you're not very familiar with the language or group.

Illustration for Subtle Nuance
The slight accent on one syllable acted as a shibboleth among the villagers.
Visual representation of the word "Shibboleth"

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