The spelling of the word "eskew" can be challenging due to the silent "w" at the end. It is pronounced as /ɪsˈkjuː/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" represents the short vowel sound, while the "s" and "k" make a consonant cluster. The "w" is not pronounced, and it is only used to differentiate the word from a similar-sounding word, "askew." When writing "eskew," it is essential to remember to drop the "w" to ensure correct pronunciation.
The word "eskew" is derived from the Middle English word "schewen" or "eschewen", which meant "to avoid" or "to shy away from". It is believed to have come from the Old English word "sceoh" which meant "to withdraw" or "to take a side" and "scīwan" meaning "to show" or "to display". Over time, the word "eschewen" evolved into "eschew", and eventually, "eskew" with a more specific meaning of "to deviate" or "to move away from in a diagonal direction".