How Do You Spell KNOW-NOTHING?

Pronunciation: [nˈə͡ʊnˈʌθɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "know-nothing" is a compound word that consists of "know" and "nothing". It is spelled with a silent "k" at the beginning of "know" and with a double "n" in the middle of "know-nothing" to indicate a stressed syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of "know-nothing" is /noʊ ˈnʌθɪŋ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is indicated by the apostrophe in the IPA transcription. This word is often used to describe a person who is ignorant or uninformed.

KNOW-NOTHING Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "know-nothing" refers to an individual or group characterized by a lack of knowledge, understanding, or awareness, particularly in a specific subject or field. It can be used to describe someone who is uninformed or ignorant about a particular topic.

    The term "know-nothing" initially emerged in the mid-19th century United States as a label for a political movement called the Know-Nothings. This group was notorious for their xenophobic and anti-immigrant views. They gained popularity by exploiting the fears and prejudices of many Americans towards immigrants, particularly those from Catholic countries such as Ireland and Germany. The name "Know-Nothing" originated from the secrecy that surrounded the party's activities, as members were instructed to respond with "I know nothing" if questioned about the group.

    Today, the term "know-nothing" is frequently used in a broader sense to describe individuals who display a lack of knowledge or insight on a particular issue, often due to willful ignorance or a refusal to be informed. For example, someone who consistently denies scientific evidence or refuses to seek out accurate information on an important topic may be labeled as a know-nothing. The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the person being described lacks intellectual curiosity or a willingness to learn.

Common Misspellings for KNOW-NOTHING

  • knoa nothing
  • know noting
  • know nothin
  • know nothing
  • knowpnothing
  • know0-nothing
  • know-0nothing
  • knowp-nothing
  • know-pnothing
  • know--nothing
  • knowmnothing
  • know-.othing
  • know-nothighng
  • know-knothing
  • no-nothing

Etymology of KNOW-NOTHING

The term "know-nothing" originated as a nickname for the American Party, also known as the "Native American Party" or the "American Republican Party", which emerged in the mid-19th century in the United States. The party was characterized by its anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiments, primarily targeting Irish and German immigrants.

The name "know-nothing" was derived from the party's secret organization. When asked about its activities or positions, members were instructed to respond by saying, "I know nothing". The term was eventually used to refer to anyone who was ignorant or uninformed about a particular topic.

While the party itself eventually disbanded, the term "know-nothing" persisted in American English as a noun or adjective to describe individuals with limited knowledge or understanding of a subject. It has become synonymous with someone who lacks awareness or expertise on a given matter.

Idioms with the word KNOW-NOTHING

  • know-nothing A know-nothing is a person who is ignorant or uninformed about a particular subject or topic.