Pronunciation: [zˈɪlt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The word "zilch", meaning nothing or zero, is often spelled with a "z" in American English. The phonetic transcription for this word is /zɪltʃ/. The "z" sound is represented by the letter "z", while the "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound. The "l" and "t" are pronounced rapidly together, as if they were a single sound. The final "ch" is pronounced as a voiceless affricate, similar to the "ch" in "church".
Zilch is a slang term that is used to express absolute zero or nothingness. It is often used to refer to the absence of something or the complete lack of quantity, value, or significance. This term is primarily used in informal or colloquial contexts to denote a complete absence or lack of anything.
In terms of numerical value, zilch represents the number zero, signifying the absence of quantity or magnitude. It is commonly utilized when referring to a lack of success, achievements, or any tangible outcome. For example, if someone says they have achieved zilch on a project, it means they have accomplished nothing.
Beyond numerical references, zilch can also describe the emptiness or insignificance of something. When used to describe a person's knowledge or understanding of a topic, it implies an utter lack or absence of information or comprehension.
The term zilch is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. It is thought to be derived from the German word "zick," which means "nothing." Over time, zilch has become widely recognized and used in informal speech and writing as a casual way to convey the absence or insignificance of something.
The word "zilch" is an American slang term that originated in the early 1960s. It is often used to mean "nothing" or "zero". The etymology of "zilch" can be traced back to the Yiddish word "ziltsch", which means "zero" or "nothing". The Yiddish term, in turn, is derived from the German word "null" (meaning zero). Over time, "ziltsch" transformed into "zilch" in American English, becoming a popular informal expression for indicating a complete absence or lack of something.
