Ichthys or Ichthus Greek: ἰχθύς, capitalized ΙΧΘΥΣ, ikhthus) is the ancient and classical Greek word for "fish." (note the spelling on inscriptions at least is ΙΧΘΥC) In English it refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish, said to have been used by early Christians as a secret symbol and now known colloquially as the "sign of the fish" or the "Jesus fish."