Catchphrase


a phrase that attracts or is meant to attract attention.
a phrase, as a slogan, that comes to be widely and repeatedly used, often with little of the original meaning remaining.
Contemporary Examples

Tim Gunn came back from being a catchphrase robot to a thoughtful mentor offering informed critiques of work in progress.
How ‘Project Runway’ Made it Work Andy Dehnart July 26, 2011

She has a t-shirt that says “Fetch,” the catchphrase from Mean Girls!
Lindsay Lohan’s Reality Show Is the Most Stressful Thing on TV Kevin Fallon March 9, 2014

However, I do object to bacon as catchphrase, as fad, as arena for testosterone-fueled competition.
‘Bacon Tastes Good, Get Over It’ Julie Powell May 14, 2009

The mother of five frantically jumps from one argument to the next as if playing a high stakes game of catchphrase.
Meet the Anti-Pot Activists Abby Haglage January 30, 2014

Historical Examples

And when a man wants to talk like that “how-do-you-do” is as good a catchphrase as the next to keep his tongue discreet.
Sally of Missouri R. E. Young

noun
a well-known frequently used phrase, esp one associated with a particular group, etc
n.

also catch-phrase, 1837, from catch (v.) + phrase (n.). The notion is of words that will “catch” in the mind (cf. catchword).

Read Also:

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  • Catchup

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  • Catcon

    noun short for catalytic converter


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