"‘Did he really toss letters?’: Shrey Parikh, of Indian descent, excels in ‘cywyddau’ at the US spelling competition. Here’s the significance."

Shrey Parikh, an Indian-origin contestant, has captured the attention of social media users after his remarkable performance at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. During the competition, Parikh was tasked with spelling the word "cywyddau," a term that many viewers found perplexing. His effortless execution of the word not only showcased his spelling prowess but also sparked a wave of astonishment online, with numerous users questioning the legitimacy of the word itself and humorously suggesting it might be a random assortment of letters.

The term "cywyddau" refers to a specific Welsh verse form characterized by couplets or triplets that incorporate rhyme and cynghanedd. According to Merriam-Webster, it consists of couplets made up of seven-syllable lines, featuring varying cynghanedd and terminal rhyme that alternates between accented and unaccented syllables. An example provided in the dictionary illustrates its use in literature, noting a Welsh poem by the poet Hopkins. The word originated in the 14th century in South Wales, attributed to the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, and was the dominant Welsh verse form until the early 17th century.

Despite its historical significance, the usage of "cywyddau" has fluctuated over the centuries. Britannica notes that the term fell out of favor but saw a revival in the mid-18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is still employed by modern Welsh poets who favor traditional forms over free verse, indicating its enduring relevance in the realm of poetry.

Social media reactions to Parikh's performance were filled with humor and disbelief. One user on X questioned, “Did he just throw letters?” in response to a video where even the host struggled to pronounce "cywyddau." Others chimed in with comments like, “I can’t even pronounce 'Cywyddau' in my head, let alone spell it. Congrats to Shrey!” and “Cywyddau? WTH?” Parikh not only spelled "cywyddau" but also managed to spell 31 other words in just 90 seconds, defeating runner-up Ishaan Gupta from New Jersey, who spelled 25 words. His final winning word was the medical term "bromocriptine."

After his victory, Parikh expressed a sense of calmness during the competition, stating, “I was not excited at all, because to be honest, regular spelling I feel like is a much better show of what spelling is meant to be.” He acknowledged the pressure of the spell-off but remained composed, taking a moment to hydrate and focus before showcasing his skills. His impressive performance not only earned him the title but also left a lasting impression on the audience and fellow competitors alike.