Can you pronounce “ghoti?” It’s a word designed to confuse you.

You might default to thinking it is pronounced “goaty,” but in reality it’s pronounced like “fish.” The word was constructed to demonstrate the irregularities of the English language. 

If you’re wondering why it’s pronounced the way it is, here is a breakdown: The “gh” is pronounced as the “f” sound in “rough.” The “o” is pronounced as the “i” sound in “women.” The “ti” is pronounced as the “sh” sound in “action.” You put it together, and it forms “fish.” 

It was thought up by William Ollier Jr, born in 1824. Often, ghoti is cited to support English spelling reform, and usually misattributed to George Bernard Shaw. There is a second way of pronouncing “ghoti” that uses the same method to a different effect. 

The second pronunciation is completely silent: The “gh” is silent like in “through.” The “o” is silent like the last “o” in “onomatopoeia.” The “t” is silent like in “buffet.” The “i” is silent like in “business.” There are many words like this one. In your spare time, you could try inventing some. 

(Source)