Pronunciation: [klˈan] (IPA) 
The word "klan" has a unique spelling that may seem confusing at first glance. However, its phonetic transcription in IPA makes its pronunciation clearer. The "k" sound at the beginning is represented by the symbol /k/, followed by the "l" sound represented by /l/. The "a" sound in the middle is pronounced as /æ/, and the word ends with the nasal consonant sound /n/. When pronounced as /klæn/, "klan" refers to a secret society or group.
The term "klan" refers to a particular type of organization, typically characterized by an exclusive membership based on common beliefs and practices. The word is commonly associated with the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious white supremacist group that originated in the United States during the Reconstruction Era following the American Civil War.
The Klan is best known for its practice of racial terrorism, targeting African Americans and other minority groups. Members of the Klan often wear distinctive white robes and hoods to conceal their identities. The organization employs various intimidation tactics, such as cross burnings and violence, to instill fear and exert control over targeted communities. Its ideology promotes white supremacy and adheres to a strict racial hierarchy that opposes equality and diversity.
However, it is important to note that the term "klan" is not exclusively linked to the Ku Klux Klan. In a broader sense, it can refer to any secretive or exclusive organization characterized by a specific set of beliefs or practices. Such organizations may aim to preserve a particular ideology, cultural heritage, or social order. Despite the negative connotations associated with the term due to the actions of the Ku Klux Klan, it is important to consider its broader context and intended usage in each specific case.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "klan" is derived from the Gaelic language, specifically the Scottish Gaelic word "clann", meaning "family" or "descendants". It later found its way into the English language, often used to refer to a particular group, association, or organization. The term gained significant attention and controversy due to its association with the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist hate group in the United States.
