WordGarden.ioherring
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɛrɪŋ/
US
- /ˈhɛrɪŋ/
Meanings
Noun
a small oily sea fish that often swims in large schools
herring eaten as food, especially salted, smoked, or pickled
Beyond the definition
The herring is a small, common fish often salted, smoked, or pickled. But in English, "herring" also appears in the phrase "red herring." If someone gives you a red herring, they are trying to distract you from the real issue with something that does not really matter. It is like a false clue that pulls you off the trail. The idiom is often said to come from the use of strong-smelling smoked herrings in dog training, where the scent was used as a distraction.
So, while you might enjoy eating a pickled herring, you should beware of being led astray by a red herring. A detective in a mystery novel, for instance, might dismiss a seemingly vital clue as a red herring if it turns out to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the investigation.
The humble herring is a small, silvery fish found in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For centuries, it has been a staple food source, particularly in Northern Europe, where it is preserved through salting, pickling, or smoking. You might find it served as part of a traditional Scandinavian breakfast or enjoyed as a simple snack with dark bread and butter. Rich in nutrients, the herring has played a vital role in the economies of coastal communities for generations.
However, "herring" is perhaps most famous as a figure of speech—specifically, the "red herring." This term refers to something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important issue. The history behind this usage is fascinating: it is believed to stem from the practice of using pungent, smoked herrings to train hunting dogs. By dragging the strong-smelling fish across a scent trail, trainers could test a dog's ability to remain focused on the actual prey rather than being diverted by a more enticing smell.
When someone describes an argument as a "red herring," they mean it is a tactical distraction—a misleading clue or piece of information that pulls attention away from the core problem. For example: "The politician's attack on his opponent's personal life was a red herring designed to avoid discussing substantive policy issues." Similarly, in a mystery novel, a seemingly crucial piece of evidence might be revealed as a red herring intended to throw the detective off the track.
Therefore, while a herring makes for a fine meal, a "red herring" is a deceptive tactic best avoided!
Examples
- 1
Food
We had pickled herring with bread for lunch.
- 2
Seasonal behavior
Every spring, thousands of herring gather near the coast.
- 3
Figurative use
The story about the missing file turned out to be a red herring.
- Phrasered herring
something that distracts you from the real issue
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- herringnoun
Forms
- herringspluralnoun