Word of the Day

Shibboleth

shib·bo·leth
Pronunciation: (shb-lth, -lth)
Function: noun

1. A word or pronunciation that distinguishes people of one group or
class from those of another.
2. a. A word or phrase identified with a particular group or cause; a catchword. b. A commonplace saying or idea.
3. A custom or practice that betrays one as an outsider.

I came across this word from reading comments from an interesting
article on slashdot.org about the Bush administration's criminal
hiring practices in the justice department.

Apparently some of Bush's lackeys were doing LexisNexis searches
looking for shibboleths that would connect potential candidates with
Democrat or liberal causes.

Thanks to Dgun for today's WOTD entry