'Spicket' or 'Spigot': What's the Difference?

Are you looking for the difference between 'spicket' or 'spigot?' If so, you are in luck!

Here is the short answer: 

• 'Spicket' is a misspelling of 'spigot'; however, it is commonly used in some parts of the United States. 
• 'Spigot' is the correct spelling of the noun that describes the part of a faucet that regulates the flow of water. 

While the answer above does explain the difference between these terms, there is much more to learn. So, keep reading this post to learn the definition, tips for using the terms, and other important information.

What's the Difference Between 'Spicket' or 'Spigot?'

The term 'spicket' comes from the Middle English term spyket, which is a stopper or plug that regulates the flow of liquid from a cask or tap. As English evolved, the acceptable spelling changed to 'spigot.'

Today, people in the southern and midland United States sometimes still use the former term. However, the latter is the accurate spelling of the word.

People use both to refer to a faucet with handles that regulate a liquid's flow through the tap. So, they are often used as synonyms for faucet and tap, although a spigot is a regulator inside these fixtures.

For example, you would not refer to an open tap without the functionality to turn off the flow of liquid as a 'spigot.' Instead, you would call it a tap or faucet.

When to Use 'Spicket' or 'Spigot'

You just learned the difference between 'spicket' and 'spigot,' but how do you know which term to use and when?

• Use 'spigot' to describe the part of a faucet that stops or allows water to flow out.

For example, you could say:

The spigot is not working as well as it used to, so it is impossible to stop the faucet from dripping. 

• 'Spigot' is always an acceptable spelling. So, when in doubt, use 'spigot.'

For example, if you are writing an essay on the effects of tap water, you could use 'spigot' like this:

Contaminants in tap water are not the only issue. Dirty spigots can also make people who consume tap water sick. 

• You should also use 'spigot' if you are writing a product description for a company that sells fixtures because it is the correct spelling.

For example, you could say:

The difference between our faucet and others is that we use a patented spigot design that prevents drips and leaks.

• You could use 'spicket' if you are answering a question or responding to someone using the term to avoid confusion.

For example, you could say:

Please turn the spicket to the right. If it is still leaking, you may need to replace the spicket. 

Definition of 'Spicket': What Does 'Spicket' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of 'spicket' is:

• An alternate spelling of 'spigot.'

Definition of 'Spigot': What Does 'Spigot' Mean?

According to the same resource, the definition of 'spigot' is:

• A plug-in a faucet or tap

It can also mean:

• Something similar to a 'spigot' or something that stops and allows the flow of something
• A faucet or tap with a handle that turns the flow of water on and off

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Spicket' and 'Spigot'

Knowing proper pronunciation is an essential skill for writers. When you know how to pronounce a term, it is easier to remember the meaning and spelling.

So, here is a quick pronunciation guide you can follow.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'spicket':

spik-et

• To correctly pronounce 'spigot,' use this phonetic spelling:

spi-get

Sample Sentences Using 'Spicket' and 'Spigot'

Now, read through these example sentences to see how you can use these terms because, despite the meanings, people typically use 'spicket' and 'spigot' to refer to a faucet. Not the part or functionality that controls the flow of liquid

Spicket

• When turning the spicket on, ensure the water isn't hot.
• The further you turn the handle on the spicket to the left, the more water will come out.
• The spicket is broken, so the faucet drips all night long.
• We need a copywriter to write a blog post about the importance of winterizing spickets.
• A leaky spicket wastes a lot of water and drives the price of your water bill up.
• We went out to the pub last night and got free beers because the spicket on the tap was broken, and the bartender couldn't stop the beer from coming out.

Spigot

• It would be best if you let the spigot run for a little while before you use the water to wash children or pets.
• Turn the spigot to the left to turn it on and to the right to turn it off.
• We installed a new spigot when we replaced the sink a few years ago, but it is already leaking.
• We used a tap to harvest the maple syrup, but there was no spigot, so we could not adjust the flow.
• Will you write a case study that outlines the health benefits of using our silver antimicrobial spigots?
• When the editor was proofreading the article, he realized the blog writer used spicket and spigot interchangeably.

Final Advice on the Difference Between 'Spicket' or 'Spigot'

We covered a lot of information in this post, so here is a quick review of the difference between 'spicket' or 'spigot': 

• 'Spicket' is a commonly used variation of 'spigot'; however, it is not the proper spelling of the term. 
• 'Spigot' is a noun for the part inside a faucet or tap that regulates the flow of water or liquid that comes out. 

In some parts of the United States, people use 'spicket' or 'spigot' to refer to faucets. The word 'spigot' is often pronounced as 'spicket,' which is one of the reasons that so many people misspell the term. So, if you ever find yourself stuck on which word to use, you can always come back for a quick review of this lesson.

You can also find many other beneficial articles to help you improve your writing, hire a writer or editor, or stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. So, before you go, check out some other posts here.

Related posts:

'Laying in Bed' or 'Lying in Bed': What's the Difference? Parents' or Parent's or Parents: What's the Difference? Contract or Freelance Writer: What's The Difference? Copywriter vs Content Writer vs Blogger: What Is the Difference? Proofreading vs Editing: What Is the Difference Between Them? Blogs vs Articles: What's the Difference? Revision vs Editing: What's the Difference? 'Nosey' or 'Nosy': Which is Correct? How to Write Height: Writing Feet and Inches Correctly 'Other Then' or 'Other Than': Which is Correct?