Pronunciation: [skˈandə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "scandals" is spelled with an "s" in the middle, despite the fact that the sound that is being represented is actually a "z" sound. This is because in English, when an "s" comes between two vowels, it is pronounced like a "z." This is known as voicing, and it is why we say "roses" with a "z" sound instead of an "s" sound. The IPA transcription for "scandals" is /ˈskændlz/ to represent the "z" sound.
Scandals refer to publicized events or incidents that attract considerable attention, typically due to their shocking, controversial, or morally offensive nature. Engulfing various realms, such as politics, entertainment, sports, or business, scandals often involve individuals, organizations, or institutions being implicated in acts that challenge societal norms or ethical standards.
Scandals are characterized by their ability to provoke intense public interest and dominate media coverage, contributing to the dissemination of information and opinions surrounding the event. They tend to generate outrage, controversy, and debates within society, often leading to the erosion of trust, damage to reputations, and potential legal consequences for those involved.
Instances of scandals can include political figures engaged in corrupt practices, financial institutions involved in fraudulent schemes, celebrities involved in scandals concerning their personal lives or conduct, or sports teams involved in cheating or match-fixing. These events capture widespread attention due to their potential impact, significance, or the prominent figures involved.
Scandals often provide insights into societal dynamics, reinforcing expectations of accountability and ethical behavior. They can emerge as catalysts for reforms, as they highlight the need for transparency, improved regulations, or changes within specific fields. Additionally, scandals can also be used as tools for political purposes, targeting opponents or undermining individuals' credibility.
Ultimately, scandals represent a notable departure from established norms, sparking public reaction and consequences for those implicated, while simultaneously contributing to the shaping and evolution of social and cultural norms.
* 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 "scandal" originates from the Middle English word "sclaundre" or "scandle", which dates back to the 13th century. It comes from the Old French term "esclandre" or "escandle", derived from the Latin word "scandalum", meaning "cause of offense" or "stumbling block". In turn, "scandalum" was taken from the Greek word "skandalon", which referred to a trap or snare.
The term "skandalon" in Greek was originally used in a literal sense, representing a trigger or obstacle intentionally placed to trip someone, like a snare used for catching animals. Over time, however, this word also developed a metaphorical meaning, referring to an action or event causing moral offense or social outrage. Hence, "scandal" in English retains this notion of an act or event that induces public shock or outrage.
