Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Kibosh"

Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode explores the word "kibosh," focusing on its meaning, common usage, and the elusive history behind its origins. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into popular theories about where the word comes from and clarifies what is and isn't known about its etymology.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition and Usage

• Kibosh (noun): something that serves as a check or stop.
  • Common phrase: "put the kibosh on" — to stop, end, or prevent something from happening or continuing.
• Sample sentence illustrating usage:
  • "[Instead of putting the kibosh on devices entirely, we need to treat modern society like a teenager on a rebellious streak...]"
    —(00:24)

2. Notable Example

• The episode provides a real-world application of "kibosh," linking it to the idea of stopping or restricting devices, as discussed by advocate Graham Dugoni:
  • "Instead of putting the kibosh on devices entirely, we need to treat modern society like a teenager..."
    —(00:24)

3. Etymology and Theories

• The word “kibosh” appears in written English only a few years before Charles Dickens used it in his 1836 sketch.
• Despite its relatively recent appearance, the source of "kibosh" remains mysterious:
  • Early and incorrect claims:
    • Yiddish roots — rebuffed due to "absence of a plausible Yiddish source." (00:52)
  • Other hypotheses:
    • An Irish term ("kypewarsh" or "coif/cap of death"): Theories included a judge’s headgear when passing a death sentence or cloth pulled over a corpse; evidence is lacking, especially any metaphorical use in Irish.
    • Not recorded English usage in Ireland until decades after Dickens.
    • A heraldic term for an animal’s head (with only the face showing).
    • An Arabic word meaning "whip" or "lash."
  • Conclusion:
    • "No theory has sufficient EV to back it."
      —(01:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On usage:
  "Kibosh is a noun. It refers to something that serves as a check or stop. It's usually used in the phrase 'put the kibosh on' to mean to stop or end something, or to prevent something from happening or continuing."
  —Peter Sokolowski (00:10)

• On etymology confusion:
  "Despite kibosh being relatively young, its source is elusive."
  —Peter Sokolowski (00:36)

• On the lack of consensus:
  "No theory has sufficient EV to back it."
  —Peter Sokolowski (01:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 00:10: Introduction of the word "kibosh" and spelling.
• 00:10 – 00:24: Definition and common phrases with examples.
• 00:24 – 00:36: Real-world usage and context.
• 00:36 – 01:34: Exploration and debunking of various etymological theories.
• 01:34 – End: Summary and sign-off.

Tone and Presenter Style

Peter Sokolowski maintains an informative and engaging tone, mixing clarity with curiosity, especially when discussing the word's unknown origins and colorful theories.

Summary Takeaway

"Kibosh" is a word most commonly encountered in the phrase "put the kibosh on," meaning to stop or put an end to something. Though its use dates to the 19th century and is embedded in English, the word’s true origins remain a linguistic mystery—much discussed but not definitively solved.