How Do You Spell BANSHEES?

Pronunciation: [bˈanʃiːz] (IPA)

The word "banshees" is spelled with a double "e" at the end, which is unusual in English. The correct phonetic transcription in IPA is /ˈbænʃiz/. The "sh" sound is made with the consonants "ʃ" and "z" represents the plural "s" sound. The "ee" at the end of the word represents a long vowel sound, rather than a short sound represented by just an "e". Banshees are mythological creatures from Irish folklore that are said to warn of impending death.

BANSHEES Meaning and Definition

1. Banshees refer to supernatural entities or mythological creatures, primarily found in Irish and Scottish folklore. The term "banshee" traces its origins to the Gaelic word "bean-sidhe," meaning "woman of the fairy mound." Banshees are often depicted as female spirits or wailing ghosts who foretell or lament an impending death within a family or community.

   These apparitions typically manifest themselves as older women, often with unkempt hair and red eyes, dressed in white or grey robes. Banshees are renowned for their haunting cries or mournful wails, which are said to be harbingers or warnings of an imminent demise in the household they are connected to. Their eerie vocalizations are believed to be heard in the vicinity of a house or by family members of those who are about to die.

   Banshees are generally associated with specific Irish or Scottish families, following bloodlines through generations. These families are believed to have a hereditary connection to the banshee, and upon hearing her mournful cry, they understand that death is near. The purpose of the banshee's crying is often debated, with some interpretations suggesting that it is an expression of sympathy or sorrow, while others believe it to be a form of warning to alert the family to prepare for the impending loss.

   In Irish and Scottish folklore, banshees are an enduring symbol of death and the supernatural, provoking both fear and fascination. They continue to captivate the imagination through their depiction in literature, music, and popular culture, perpetuating their legacy as legendary and otherworldly beings.

Common Misspellings for BANSHEES

• banshied
• banchee
• banches
• banshe
• banchees
• backshees
• bakheel
• pashees
• brasshees
• whaeshees
• Banshs
• Ranshses
• tarnshees
• Franshees
• sandshees

Etymology of BANSHEES

The word "banshee" comes from the Irish-Gaelic term "bean sídhe" (bean: woman, sídhe: fairy). In Irish folklore, a banshee is considered a female spirit or fairy who possesses the ability to predict impending death within certain families. The banshee is often depicted as wailing or keening, which is believed to be a warning of an imminent death in the family she is associated with. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of "bean sídhe" evolved to "banshee" in English.