How Do You Spell SWILCAN?

Pronunciation: [swˈɪlkan] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "swilcan" is quite unusual for English speakers. The word is actually a Scottish term used in golf, referring to the wooden crosspiece that marks the start and end of the famous "Swilcan Bridge" on the Old Course at St Andrews. It is pronounced /ˈswɪlkən/ with the first syllable pronounced as "swil" like in "swim" and the second syllable pronounced as "can" like in "can't". The spelling of the word stays true to its Scottish roots, highlighting the unique linguistic traditions of the country.

SWILCAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Swilcan is a term with a specific meaning in the context of the sport of golf. It refers to a particular area or feature on the St. Andrews Links golf course in Scotland.

    More specifically, the term "swilcan" is often used to describe the iconic location on the 18th fairway of the Old Course at St. Andrews where the fairway meets the green. This spot is known as the Swilcan Bridge, which is a historic and famous landmark in golf. Spanning the Swilcan Burn, a small stream that runs through the course, the Swilcan Bridge is a stone structure that has become an emblematic symbol of golf history and tradition.

    The Swilcan Bridge holds immense significance in the game as it is crossed by professional golfers and amateurs alike during their final approach to the 18th green. It serves as not just a physical pathway, but also a symbolic connection to the past, a homage to the many legends of the sport who have traversed the same bridge over the years. The Swilcan Bridge has been photographed, televised, and written about extensively, making it an integral part of St. Andrews and the wider golfing world's heritage.

    In summary, "swilcan" is a term that primarily refers to the Swilcan Bridge on the St. Andrews Old Course, one of the most revered landmarks in golf that connects the 18th fairway to the green and epitomizes the rich traditions and history of the sport.

Etymology of SWILCAN

The term "swilcan" is derived from Scots. It is primarily associated with the sport of golf, specifically used to describe the crossing point of two fairways. The word "swilcan" itself is said to have Gaelic origins, with a potential connection to the Old Irish word "súil" meaning "eye" or "gap". Over time, it evolved in Scots to specifically refer to the crossing point on a golf course, where golfers can observe players on neighboring fairways.