Definition

Noun: A glottal catch is a speech sound, specifically a type of stop consonant, produced by briefly closing the vocal cords (at the glottis) and then releasing them. This creates a momentary interruption in the airflow. It is most commonly heard in English as the sound that sometimes begins a vowel at the start of a word or syllable, especially when emphasized.

Examples of Usage

• In some English accents, the word "apple" might be pronounced with a glottal catch before the initial 'a' sound.
• The sharp beginning of the word "uh-oh" features a glottal catch between the two syllables.
• Linguists note that the glottal catch is a distinctive feature in certain languages and dialects.

Advanced Usage

• Phonetic Transcription: In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the glottal stop (the technical term for a glottal catch) is represented by the symbol [ʔ].
• Allophonic Variation: In English, the glottal catch often appears as an allophone of /t/ in certain positions, such as in the Cockney pronunciation of "bottle" [ˈbɒʔl̩].

Variants and Related Words

• Glottal Stop (n): The more common technical term in phonetics for a glottal catch. They are synonymous.
• Glottal (adj): Relating to the glottis. For example, sounds or articulation.

Synonyms

• Glottal plosive
• Glottal stop

Related Phrases

• To use a glottal catch: To articulate a sound using this mechanism.
  • Some speakers unconsciously use a glottal catch before stressed vowels.

Related Concepts

• Stop Consonant: A consonant sound produced by completely obstructing the airflow. A glottal catch is one type of stop consonant.
• Onset: The beginning part of a syllable. A glottal catch can serve as the onset for a vowel-initial syllable.

Noun

1. a stop consonant articulated by releasing pressure at the glottis; as in the sudden onset of a vowel