Why does 'shh' mean the same thing in so many languages, and what's 'broad' about daylight?
Grammar Girl

Why does ’shh’ mean the same thing in so many languages, and what’s ’broad’ about daylight?

2026-08-11
1210. This week, we look at why the sound "shh" means "be quiet" in so many different languages, and we trace the phrase "broad daylight" back to Old English to find out why it shows up so often in crime stories.The "Shh" segment was by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. She writes I'll Go First, a newsletter where she shares her story, then hands you a writing prompt and a metaphorical pen. Find her on igofirst.org.πŸ”— Join the Grammar Girl Patreon.πŸ”— Share your familect recording in Speakpipe or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475)πŸ”— Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses
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