psychobabble

American  

[sahy-koh-bab-uhl] / ˈsaɪ koʊˌbæb əl /

noun

1. writing or talk using jargon from psychiatry or psychotherapy without particular accuracy or relevance.

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psychobabble British  

/ ˈsaɪkəʊˌbæbəl /

noun

1. informal the jargon of psychology, esp as used and popularized in various types of psychotherapy

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Other Word Forms

• psychobabbler noun

Etymology

Origin of psychobabble

psycho- + babble; popularized by a book of the same title (1977) by U.S. journalist Richard D. Rosen (born 1949)

Example Sentences

Tackling the “elevated psychobabble” that Williamson wrote for the “Dawson’s” teens, which quickly became a signature of the series, proved more of a challenge.

From Los Angeles Times

Grace and Grit Rated R for harsh words and hubristic psychobabble.

From New York Times

The fitness guru’s sphere of influence has typically been centered on the body, with some wiggle room for related self-help psychobabble and musical appreciation.

From New York Times

Can we get away from this psychobabble and discuss the matter rationally?

From New York Times

That might sound like psychobabble to some, but clearly it’s working for Wilson, whose team is atop the NFC West at 10-2 and Sunday night faces the Rams at the Coliseum.

From Los Angeles Times