counterword

[ koun-ter-wurd ]

noun

1. a word, often of short-lived popularity, widely used as an almost meaningless, automatic response.
2. a word that has come to be used with a meaning much less specific than that which it had originally, as swell, awful, or terrific.

counterword

/ ˈkaʊntəˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a word widely used in a sense much looser than its original meaning, such as tremendous or awful

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterword¹

First recorded in 1670–80; counter ¹ + word

Example Sentences

Unhappily the black-artist has forgot the counterword, with which he might command this flood of sprites again to ebb.

From Project Gutenberg