Pronunciation: [splˈɪtəz] (IPA) 
The word "splitters" is spelled with two syllables and the stress falls on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of "splitters" is /ˈsplɪtərz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "spl" with a short "i" sound, followed by a "t" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "erz" with a short "i" sound and pronounced with a sound like "z". The spelling of the word is consistent with the pronunciation and is easy to remember.
Splitters, plural noun: splitters
1. Referring to a person or device that splits or divides something into two or more separate parts or segments.
2. In telecommunications or networking, splitters are devices used to divide a single signal into multiple signals or to combine multiple signals into a single line. They are commonly utilized in applications such as cable TV, satellite systems, or telephone lines, where the signal needs to be distributed to multiple receivers. Splitters typically serve as connecting points between the main signal source and the various output lines or devices.
3. In political contexts, the term splitters can refer to individuals or groups who separate or divide from a larger political party or organization to form a separate faction or party. This term is often used pejoratively to criticize those who fragment the unity of a larger political entity.
4. In slang, splitters can be a derogatory term for those who betray or leave a group, team, or partnership, usually with the intention of seeking personal gain or advantage. It implies a disloyal or selfish character who abandons their former associates for their own benefit.
Overall, the term "splitters" encompasses a range of meanings depending on the context, but at the core, it refers to those who divide, separate, or depart from a unified whole or entity.
The word "splitters" has multiple meanings and could have different origins depending on the context. Here are two possible explanations for the term's etymology:
1. In the context of comedy: In British comedy, "splitters" is a term used to describe jokes that are so funny they make people burst into laughter, causing them to split their sides. This term originated from the physical reaction of intense laughter causing discomfort or pain, as if the person's sides were splitting.
2. In the context of politics: "Splitters" is a term primarily used in British politics, especially within the Labour Party. It refers to individuals or groups who leave or split from their political party to form another one, or to establish a new faction within the party. The term gained prominence during the 1980s when a significant split occurred within the Labour Party.
