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

In Spanish there is a word for which I can’t find a counterword in English.

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

“And what will be the counterword?” asked Challoner stiffly.

From Project Gutenberg