Pronunciation: [hˈɒbɪt] (IPA) 
The word "hobbit" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, which can be confusing for non-native speakers. To break it down using phonetic transcription, the word starts with the consonant sound "h" followed by the vowel sound "ɑ", which is pronounced similarly to the "a" in "father." The next two consonant sounds are "b" and "ɪt," pronounced as in "bit." Altogether, the IPA phonetic transcription for "hobbit" is /ˈhɑbɪt/.
Hobbit is a noun that refers to a fictional humanoid creature created by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is commonly depicted as being similar to humans in appearance but much smaller in size, typically around three to four feet tall. Hobbits are characterized by their stout stature, large, hairy feet, and round, jovial faces.
In Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, hobbits are known for their simplicity, agrarian lifestyle, and love for peace and tranquility. They are often depicted as shy and introverted beings, preferring the comfort and security of their homes and communities over grand adventures or worldly ambitions. Hobbits typically inhabit quaint, rural areas such as the Shire.
This term, first coined by Tolkien, has gained significant popularity and recognition since the publication of his novel "The Hobbit" in 1937. It has become synonymous with this specific fictional creature and is often used colloquially to refer to individuals who are short, unadventurous, or enjoy a simple way of life.
Due to its prominent role in fantasy literature and the popularity of Tolkien's works, the term "hobbit" has transcended its original fictional context, becoming a cultural symbol for all things whimsical, magical, and rooted in nature. The concept of hobbits has also influenced subsequent works of fantasy literature, inspiring authors to create similar humanoid species in their own fictional worlds.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hobbit" was coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He derived it from Old English, specifically from the word "holbytla", which means "hole-dweller" or "one who lives in a hole". Tolkien combined the Old English words "hol" (meaning "hole") and "bytla" (meaning "digger" or "builder") to create the term "hobbit" to describe the small, humanoid creatures that inhabit the fictional world of Middle-earth.
