The word ghoti is often cited to highlight peculiarities of English spelling and pronunciation. The word can quite legitimately be pronounced “fish;” the “gh” coming from laugh or cough; the “o” from women; and the “ti” from nation or mention.

This construction is often attributed to George Bernard Shaw, who was a strong supporter of attempts to reform English spelling. However, linguist Benjamin Zimmer has tracked down a reference to the word that predates Shaw.

Richard Lederer, author of the book Crazy English [Pocket, 1998], points out many of the problems non-English speakers are likely to have with the language: “How is it,” he asks, that your nose can run and your feet can smell?”