The word "ghoul" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, and pronounced as /ɡu:l/. The letter "g" makes a hard "g" sound, as in "goat", and the diphthong "ou" creates a long vowel sound as in "tool". The letter "l" at the end of the word makes a dark "l" sound, which is pronounced at the back of the mouth. This spooky word, meaning a mythical creature that eats the flesh of the dead, is often associated with Halloween and horror stories.
A ghoul is a supernatural creature or monster, often found in folklore, mythology, and horror fiction. Typically, ghouls are depicted as malevolent and predatory beings that feed on the flesh or life force of the dead. This term has its origins in Arabic folklore, where it refers to an evil spirit or demon that robs graves and consumes corpses.
The ghoul is often described as having a grotesque and decayed appearance, with sunken eyes, pale and rotting skin, and sharp, elongated nails. They are said to dwell in graveyards, desolate places, or abandoned buildings, lurking in the shadows and preying on the dead and the unwary. Legends suggest that ghouls possess immense strength and agility, able to move swiftly and stealthily in their pursuit of sustenance.
In various cultural interpretations, ghouls may also possess shape-shifting abilities, enabling them to take on human or animal forms when necessary. They are considered to be nocturnal creatures, emerging under the cover of darkness to carry out their gruesome activities. Fear and fascination with ghouls have persisted across different societies and historical periods, inspiring numerous works of literature, film, and other forms of popular culture.
In a metaphorical sense, the term "ghoul" can also be used pejoratively to describe a person who derives pleasure from morbid or macabre activities, or someone who revels in the misfortune and suffering of others.
A supposed demon that feeds on the dead; also spelt ghole.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "ghoul" is derived from the Arabic word "ghūl" (غول), which means "demon" or "devil". The concept of ghouls originated in Arabian folklore and Islamic mythology. In these traditions, ghouls are depicted as shape-shifting creatures that inhabit graves, tombs, or desolate places. They are believed to feed on the flesh of the dead or the living and have supernatural abilities. The term entered the English language via French, and it has been associated with creatures that resemble the Arabian and Islamic depictions of ghouls. Over time, the word "ghoul" has become widely used in English literature and popular culture to refer to a mythical creature or a person who takes pleasure in gruesome or macabre activities.