How Do You Spell JABBERWOCK?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈabəwˌɒk] (IPA)

The word "jabberwock" was popularized by Lewis Carroll in his nonsense poem "Jabberwocky." The IPA transcription of this word is /ˈdʒæbərwɒk/. The "j" sound is represented by the IPA symbol /dʒ/, while the "a" sound is represented by /æ/. The "b" and "r" sounds are straightforward, represented by /b/ and /r/ respectively. The final syllable is represented by /wɒk/, with the "o" sound represented by /ɒ/ and the "w" sound represented by /w/. Overall, the spelling of "jabberwock" follows English orthographic conventions, although it is a nonsensical word without a clear etymology.

Meaning and Definition
Basic Check Advanced Check

JABBERWOCK Meaning and Definition

  1. Jabberwock, a noun originating from Lewis Carroll's famous poem "Jabberwocky," refers to a mystical and imaginary creature. The word represents a composite term combining "jabber" and "wock" but lacks a precise or specific definition. In Carroll's poem, the Jabberwock is depicted as a fearsome monster, causing terror and destruction. This mythical creature takes its place within a whimsical and nonsensical world, making it an essential element of the creative and imaginative storytelling for which Carroll is renowned.

    The term "jabberwock" has since been adopted into popular culture as a catch-all term to describe any fictional, monstrous beast or an extravagant personification of fear. It characteristically denotes an entity with formidable characteristics, often elusive, and associated with darkness and malevolence.

    Moreover, "jabberwock" has also given rise to linguistic adaptations, such as "jabberwocky," or "jabberwockish," used to describe language or writing that consists of nonsensical or invented words, as famously exemplified by Carroll himself. The significance of the word extends beyond the creature itself and serves as a symbolic representation of the imaginative and playful nature of literature and creativity.