buzzword etymology

Etymology

The term "buzzword" originated in the late 1940s. It is a compound word formed from two existing words:

  • Buzz: To make a low, continuous humming or droning sound
  • Word: A single spoken or written unit of language

Meaning

A buzzword is a word or phrase that has become popular and overused, often in a specific industry or context. It is typically characterized by being vague, trendy, and lacking in substance. Buzzwords are often used to impress or persuade, but they can also be used to conceal ignorance or to avoid addressing real issues.

Origin

The earliest known use of the term "buzzword" was in 1947, when it was used by a writer named Joel Sayre in an article for The New Yorker. Sayre defined a buzzword as "words and phrases that go round and round and get nowhere."

Since then, the term has become widely used in a variety of contexts, including business, marketing, technology, and politics. It is often used in a negative or critical sense, to describe language that is superficial or meaningless.

Examples of Buzzwords

Here are some examples of common buzzwords:

  • Synergy
  • Innovate
  • Disruptive
  • Blockchain
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Agile
  • Cloud-based
  • Data-driven
  • Thought leadership
  • Game-changer

buzzword relate terms

  • buzz

    Etymology and Meaning The word buzz has several etymological roots Old English bys

  • buzz

    Etymology and Meaning The word buzz has several etymological roots Old English bys

  • word

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their development through history It in

  • fuzz

    Etymology The word fuzz ultimately derives from the Middle Dutch word foes meaning

  • fuzz

    Etymology The word fuzz ultimately derives from the Middle Dutch word foes meaning

  • buzzword

    Etymology The term buzzword originated in the late 1940s It is a compound word formed

  • cant

    Etymology From Middle English canten ultimately from Old French chantere to sing

  • bunk

    Etymology The word bunk has multiple origins and meanings Meaning 1 sleeping platf

  • reason

    Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

  • glitch

    Etymology Originally a sudden involuntary movement of a muscle or group of muscles

  • profane

    Etymology The word profane derives from the Latin profanus meaning outside the tem

  • decimate

    Etymology Derived from the Latin verb decimāre meaning to take a tenth part Me

  • desert

    Etymology The word desert comes from the Late Latin word deserere meaning to aband

  • notorious

    Etymology The word notorious is derived from the Latin phrase nota reus which means

  • woman

    Etymology The word woman comes from the Middle English word womman which in turn com