Spicket or spigot—if you have ever wondered which word is correct, you are definitely asking a useful question. I know this small spelling difference can be confusing, especially when both terms appear in everyday conversations and online searches.
You may hear people use “spicket,” but spigot is the standard spelling in American English. I’ll break down the difference in a simple way so you can confidently choose the right word whenever you write or speak.
By the end, you’ll understand where these terms come from, why the confusion exists, and how to remember the correct spelling. You can use this quick guide to avoid a common mistake and sound more accurate in everyday writing.
Quick Answer
Spigot is the standard and widely accepted English word for a faucet, tap, or device that controls the flow of liquid from a pipe or container. Spicket is generally considered a nonstandard variant, dialectal form, or misspelling of spigot. In formal writing, professional communication, journalism, and academic contexts, spigot is the preferred choice.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Spigot | Spicket |
| Meaning | Faucet, tap, outlet for liquid | Nonstandard form of spigot |
| Grammar Role | Noun | Noun |
| Formality | Standard English | Informal/Dialectal |
| Dictionary Recognition | Widely recognized | Limited recognition |
| Professional Writing | Recommended | Not recommended |
| Common Usage | Very common | Less common |
| Regional Usage | Worldwide English | Certain dialects |
| Preferred Context | All formal and informal writing | Casual speech only |
How Are These Words Pronounced?
Spigot Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈspɪɡət/
Syllable Breakdown:
Spi-got
Pronounced as:
SPIH-guht
Example:
Turn off the spigot before repairing the pipe.
Spicket Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈspɪkɪt/
Syllable Breakdown:
Spi-cket
Pronounced as:
SPIH-kit
Example:
Grandpa always called the outdoor faucet a spicket.
Pronunciation Difference
The primary difference lies in the second syllable:
| Word | Ending Sound |
| Spigot | “-got” |
| Spicket | “-kit” |
Although they sound somewhat similar, they are pronounced differently.
Meaning and Usage
Meaning of Spigot
A spigot is a device that controls the flow of liquid from a pipe, barrel, tank, or container.
Common uses include:
- Outdoor water faucets
- Beverage dispensers
- Industrial valves
- Garden water connections
Examples:
- The garden spigot froze during winter.
- Water was leaking from the spigot.
- Connect the hose to the outdoor spigot.
Meaning of Spicket
Spicket is generally treated as:
- A dialectal variation of spigot
- A regional pronunciation spelling
- A nonstandard form used in speech
Examples:
- My grandfather always called it a spicket.
- Some people in certain regions use spicket instead of spigot.
In modern edited English, spicket is rarely preferred.
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Main Difference Between Spicket and Spigot
| Feature | Spigot | Spicket |
| Standard English | Yes | No |
| Accepted by Dictionaries | Yes | Limited |
| Formal Writing | Yes | No |
| Technical Writing | Yes | No |
| Plumbing Industry Usage | Yes | Rare |
| Educational Materials | Yes | Rare |
| SEO Content | Yes | No |
| Everyday Speech | Common | Regional |
The key difference is that spigot is the recognized standard term, while spicket survives mainly through regional speech patterns and spelling variations.
Grammar Rule Section
Part of Speech
Both words function as nouns.
Examples:
- The spigot is leaking.
- The spicket needs replacement.
Plural Forms
| Singular | Plural |
| Spigot | Spigots |
| Spicket | Spickets |
Examples:
- Several spigots were installed.
- Old houses often had unusual spickets.
Usage Rule
When writing:
✅ Use spigot
Avoid:
❌ Using spicket in professional documents
Origin and Etymology
Origin of Spigot
The word spigot dates back to Middle English.
Linguists trace it to older Germanic roots associated with:
- Wooden plugs
- Taps
- Stoppering devices
Historically, a spigot referred to a peg inserted into a cask or barrel to regulate liquid flow.
Over time, the meaning expanded to include:
- Faucets
- Taps
- Valves
- Water outlets
Origin of Spicket
The form spicket likely developed through:
- Regional pronunciation shifts
- Folk spelling
- Dialectal speech patterns
Many linguists classify it as a spoken variation that later appeared in writing.
Unlike spigot, it did not become the accepted standard form.
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Dictionary Comparison
Oxford Dictionary
| Word | Status |
| Spigot | Standard word |
| Spicket | Variant or limited usage |
Oxford recognizes spigot as the primary term.
Cambridge Dictionary
| Word | Status |
| Spigot | Standard |
| Spicket | Rare or absent |
Cambridge strongly favors spigot.
Merriam-Webster
| Word | Status |
| Spigot | Standard |
| Spicket | Variant spelling |
Merriam-Webster acknowledges spicket mainly as a variant.
Collins Dictionary
| Word | Status |
| Spigot | Standard |
| Spicket | Limited recognition |
Collins treats spigot as the accepted term.
Are Both Words Correct?
Technically, both words exist.
However, they are not equal in status.
Spigot
✔ Standard English
✔ Preferred by dictionaries
✔ Accepted globally
✔ Suitable for formal writing
Spicket
✔ Exists as a dialectal variant
✔ May appear in regional speech
✖ Not preferred in formal writing
✖ Rare in professional communication
Therefore, if you’re unsure which word to use, choose spigot.
British vs American English
Unlike words such as color and colour, this is not primarily a British-versus-American difference.
Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Spigot | Common | Common |
| Spicket | Rare | Regional |
Both varieties overwhelmingly prefer spigot.
Which Form Is More Common?
Publishing
Books overwhelmingly use spigot.
Journalism
News organizations use spigot.
Technical Writing
Plumbing manuals use spigot.
Websites
Most websites prefer spigot.
Professional Communication
Business and technical professionals use spigot.
Search Trends
People often search:
- spicket or spigot
- how to spell spigot
- spigot vs spicket
- outdoor spigot meaning
This indicates that confusion exists, but standard usage strongly favors spigot.
When Should You Use Each Word?
Academic Writing
Use:
✅ Spigot
Example:
The water supply enters through a central spigot.
Professional Writing
Use:
✅ Spigot
Example:
Inspect the spigot for leakage.
Casual Writing
Prefer:
✅ Spigot
Though some speakers may use spicket conversationally.
Journalism
Use:
✅ Spigot
Example:
Residents were advised to shut off outdoor spigots.
Everyday Conversation
Both may appear, but spigot remains the safer choice.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating Spicket as the Standard Form
Incorrect:
The plumber replaced the spicket according to company guidelines.
Correct:
The plumber replaced the spigot according to company guidelines.
Explanation:
Professional writing favors spigot.
Mistake 2: Assuming It’s a British vs American Difference
Incorrect:
Americans say spigot while British people say spicket.
Correct:
Both varieties primarily use spigot.
Explanation:
The distinction is not regional in that way.
Mistake 3: Using Spicket in Technical Documents
Incorrect:
Install the spicket on the water line.
Correct:
Install the spigot on the water line.
Explanation:
Technical industries use the standard term.
Real-Life Examples
Home Maintenance
The outdoor spigot froze overnight.
Gardening
Connect the hose to the spigot.
Plumbing
Replace the damaged spigot valve.
Beverage Industry
The barrel has a wooden spigot.
Regional Speech
Grandpa called every faucet a spicket.
Synonyms
Synonyms of Spigot
- Faucet
- Tap
- Valve
- Outlet
- Cock
- Water tap
- Hose bib
- Bibcock
- Nozzle
Synonyms of Spicket
Since spicket refers to the same object:
- Faucet
- Tap
- Spigot
- Valve
Antonyms
Because spigot is a physical object, direct antonyms are uncommon.
Possible opposites include:
Spigot
- Plug
- Seal
- Stopper
- Closure
Spicket
- Plug
- Seal
- Stopper
Memory Trick
Remember:
SPIGOT = Standard
Both words contain the letter G.
SpiGot = Good English Standard
SPICKET = Spoken Variant
Think:
SpiCket = Casual Community Usage
This simple memory aid helps you remember which form is preferred in writing.
Similar Confusing Words
If you’re interested in language comparisons, you may also explore:
- Faucet vs Tap
- Hose Bib vs Spigot
- Valve vs Faucet
- Tire vs Tyre
- Color vs Colour
- Center vs Centre
- Gray vs Grey
- Mold vs Mould
- Aluminum vs Aluminium
Why Do People Search “Spicket or Spigot”?
People search this phrase because:
They Heard Different Pronunciations
Family members may use one form while dictionaries use another.
They Need Correct Spelling
Many homeowners search while repairing plumbing fixtures.
They Want Professional Accuracy
Students, writers, and professionals often need the standard form.
Common Search Queries
- Is spicket a real word?
- Is spigot spelled with a g?
- What’s the difference between spicket and spigot?
- Which spelling is correct?
- Is spicket slang?
- Is spicket a regional word?
FAQs
1. Which word is correct: spicket or spigot?
Spigot is the standard and preferred form.
2. Is spicket a real word?
Yes, but it is generally considered a regional or nonstandard variant.
3. Do dictionaries recognize spicket?
Some dictionaries mention it as a variant of spigot.
4. Which word should I use in writing?
Use spigot.
5. Is spicket a misspelling?
Often yes, although it can also reflect regional speech.
6. Is spigot used in both British and American English?
Yes.
7. What does spigot mean?
A faucet, tap, or device that controls liquid flow.
8. Why do some people say spicket?
Regional pronunciation and dialect influence.
9. Is spicket acceptable in professional documents?
No. Use spigot instead.
10. Which spelling is more common online?
Spigot is significantly more common.
11. Do plumbers use the word spicket?
Professional plumbers typically use spigot.
12. Is there any meaning difference?
No significant meaning difference exists; the distinction is primarily one of standard versus nonstandard usage.
Expert Recommendation
Editors, dictionaries, educators, style guides, and professional writers overwhelmingly recommend spigot.
Their guidance is consistent:
- Use spigot in formal writing.
- Use spigot in technical documents.
- Use spigot in academic work.
- Recognize spicket as a regional or dialectal variant.
If your goal is clarity, professionalism, and correctness, choose spigot.
Final Verdict
The debate between spicket and spigot is not a case of two equally standard English words. Instead, spigot is the established and dictionary-approved term, while spicket survives mainly as a regional or nonstandard variant.
Key Takeaways
- Spigot is the standard English word.
- Spicket is a dialectal or nonstandard variant.
- Major dictionaries prefer spigot.
- Professional and academic writing should use spigot.
- Both words usually refer to the same object.
- Spigot is far more common in publishing and online content.
Practical Usage Advice
Whenever you’re writing for a broad audience, choose spigot. It is the form recognized by dictionaries, editors, educators, plumbers, and style guides. Reserve spicket only when reflecting regional speech or quoting someone directly.
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I am James Walker, an English language specialist with extensive experience in grammar, editing, and academic writing. I enjoy helping students, bloggers, and professionals strengthen their writing by explaining grammar concepts in a clear and engaging way. My focus is on providing accurate, practical, and easy-to-follow guidance that helps learners communicate more effectively in everyday and professional situations.
Books: Perfect English Grammar Handbook and Advanced Writing Techniques
Olivia Brown
Daniel Carter