Ghoti

Pronunciation

• IPA: /fɪʃ/
• Homophones: fish
• Rhymes: -ɪʃ

Origin

Though frequently reported to be a coinage of George_Bernard_Shaw (1856–1950), this term dates back to at least 1855.

Ben Zimmer, , , June 21, 2010. Available online.

Full definition of ghoti

Noun

1. (rare, jocular) Alternative spelling of fish

Usage notes

A jocular spelling of fish (IPA: /fɪʃ/) used to illustrate irregularities in English spelling:

gh, /f/ as in “laugh,” /læf, læːf, laːf/

o, /ɪ/ as in “women,” /ˈwɪmɪn, ˈwɪmən/; and

ti, /ʃ/ as in “nation,” /ˈneɪʃən/.

The term is very rarely used, though it is mentioned with somewhat greater frequency than it is used.