Pronunciation: [bˈabɪs] (IPA) 
The word "babis" is a bit tricky when it comes to spelling. It's important to note that the "b" and "p" sounds are interchangeable in many languages, including Czech and Slovak, which is where this word originates. In IPA phonetic transcription, "babis" is spelled /babɪʃ/. The "a" is pronounced as in the word "cat," the "b" as in "baby," the "i" as in "bit," and the "sh" as in "shed." So, the correct pronunciation of "babis" is "bah-beesh."
The word "babis" has multiple etymologies, depending on the context in which it is used:
1. Babism: The word "Babis" refers to the followers of Babism, a religious movement founded in Persia (present-day Iran) in the mid-19th century. The term "Babis" is derived from the name of the movement's founder, Mirza Ali Muhammad, who later became known as the Bab (meaning "gate" in Arabic).
2. Czech Republic: In the Czech Republic, the word "babi" (pronounced the same way as "babis") refers to a grandmother. This term is a diminutive form of the word "baba", which means an old woman or grandmother in Czech. It is derived from the Slavic root "bab", denoting an older woman or ancestress.
