catchphrase

catchphrase
catchphrase
is a term (mid-19c) for a phrase that catches on quickly and that is often used without direct allusion to its first occurrence (when this is known). Examples are: Not tonight, Josephine (associated with Napoleon but more likely a Victorian music hall invention), for my next trick (from magicians' patter), and have a nice day (1970s, originally AmE, exact origin disputed). Many more examples are given in Eric Partridge's Dictionary of Catch Phrases (1977). More recent catchphrases, many of them disseminated by radio and television, include economical with the truth (1986, used by the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Richard Armstrong), get a life (early 1990s), level playing field (1980s, originally AmE), and move the goalposts (1980s). See also clichés.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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  • catchphrase — (n.) c.1850, from CATCH (Cf. catch) (v.) + PHRASE (Cf. phrase). The notion is of words that will catch in the mind (Cf. CATCHWORD (Cf. catchword)) …   Etymology dictionary

  • catchphrase — ► NOUN ▪ a well known sentence or phrase …   English terms dictionary

  • catchphrase — [kach′frāz΄] n. a phrase that catches or is meant to catch the popular attention: also written catch phrase …   English World dictionary

  • catchphrase — UK [ˈkætʃˌfreɪz] / US noun [countable] Word forms catchphrase : singular catchphrase plural catchphrases a short phrase that many people know because a famous person often says it …   English dictionary

  • Catchphrase (BBC Wales) — Catchphrase is the name for BBC Wales popular Learn Welsh courses. One may embark upon the Original Catchphrase series or the Ysbyty Brynaber soap for learners. There are many courses suitable for learners of all levels.They are online are… …   Wikipedia

  • Catchphrase (game show) — Infobox Television show name = Catchphrase size = 100px caption = format = Game show picture format = 4:3 (1986 2000) 16:9 (2001 2002) runtime = 30mins (inc. comms) creator = Stephen Radosh presenter = Roy Walker (1986 1999) Andrew O Connor… …   Wikipedia

  • catchphrase — noun Date: 1842 1. a word or expression that is used repeatedly and conveniently to represent or characterize a person, group, idea, or point of view 2. slogan 2 …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • catchphrase — noun a) A group of words, often originating in popular culture, that is spontaneously popularized after widespread repeated use b) A signature phrase of a particular person or group. Syn: sig …   Wiktionary

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