How Do You Spell MCGILLICUDDY?

Pronunciation: [məɡˈɪlɪkˌʌdi] (IPA)

The spelling of "mcgillicuddy" can be tricky to figure out just by relying on its pronunciation. This word actually comes from Irish Gaelic, and its original spelling is "Mac Giolla Mochuda". In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be /mæk ˌɡɪlə məˈkudə/. The English spelling, "mcgillicuddy", attempts to capture the sound of the Irish original, but it somewhat simplifies the spelling. The double letters in "mcgillicuddy" seem redundant, but they help preserve the emphasis on the syllable "cu".

Etymology of MCGILLICUDDY

The word "mcgillicuddy" is actually a surname of Irish origin. It originated from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chuda, meaning "son of the servant of St. Cuda". In Irish history, there were several individuals with the surname Mac Giolla Chuda, and over time, it evolved into various spellings, including "McGillicuddy". However, it is important to note that the word does not have an independent etymology or meaning outside of its use as a surname.