Pronunciation: [swˈɪʃ] (IPA) 
The word "swish" is spelled with the consonant "s" at the beginning, followed by the vowel "w" and the consonant "sh" at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /swɪʃ/. This word is often used to describe the sound of something moving quickly through the air, such as a basketball net being scored through or a dress sweeping across the floor. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to move with a swishing sound.
Swish can be used as a noun or a verb in the English language. As a noun, swish refers to the rhythmic sound produced when something moves quickly and smoothly through the air. This can often be associated with the sound made by a whip, the rustle of clothing, or the movement of a sword. It can also refer to a fashionable and stylish person, typically associated with the LGBTQ+ community, known for their flamboyance and confidence.
As a verb, swish means to move with a hissing or whistling sound. This word is commonly used to describe the motion of something cutting through the air swiftly and smoothly. For instance, when a basketball or a net sways as a ball moves through it, it is often described as swishing. Additionally, in basketball, swish refers to scoring a basket without the ball touching the rim or backboard, resulting in a clean and nearly silent sound.
In a broader context, swish can be used informally to describe something as good or excellent, often referring to a neat or smoothly executed action. It can also imply a sense of elegance, sophistication, or style. For example, one might say, "She walked into the room with a swish of her dress," conveying a graceful and stylish entrance.
Overall, whether used as a noun or a verb, swish typically conveys the idea of a smooth, elegant, and stylish movement or sound.
A hissing sound.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word swish originated in Middle English as swisshen, which meant to move swiftly with a hissing or rustling sound. It is onomatopoeic in nature, imitating the sound made by something moving quickly through the air. The word has Germanic origins and is related to the Old High German word sweschen, meaning to whistle. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling evolved, and the word eventually took on its current form, swish.
