shibboleth Synonym

Erkennungszeichen - Kennwort - Losung - Parole - Passwort - Codewort - Insidercode - Zugehörigkeitsmerkmal - Identifikationsmerkmal - Gruppensignal

A shibboleth is a word, phrase, custom, or belief that functions as a marker of group identity. Historically, it referred to a pronunciation test used to distinguish friends from enemies. In modern usage, it can mean any slogan, catchphrase, or long‑standing belief that people use to signal membership in a particular group, class, or ideology. Often, a shibboleth is accepted or repeated without much critical thought, serving more as a symbol than a carefully examined idea. The term is frequently used in discussions of politics, culture, religion, and social groups.