noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A word (for example so) that is frequently used in a reflex-like manner in an answer and that has thereby quickly taken on a new, much less specific or much looser meaning or is even almost meaningless and performs a completely new function.
2. 2
   Such a word (or a word that has gone through a similar change) when not used as a reflex-like answer.

Synonyms

All synonyms

ambiguitydouble entendreequivocationportmanteau wordpunweasel word

Etymology

From counter- + word.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.