Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – “bromide”
Episode Date: November 8, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)
Episode Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day explores the word “bromide,” detailing its definition, use in modern language, historical background, and etymology. Host Peter Sokolowski unpacks the transition of the word from a chemical compound to a descriptor for trite or clichéd remarks.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition and Usage
- Bromide (noun):
- A statement intended to make someone feel happier or calmer, but is so dull and unoriginal that it becomes ineffective.
- In context:
- “A bromide is a statement so worn and trite as to be ineffective when it's offered to make someone feel better.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:18]
- “A bromide is a statement so worn and trite as to be ineffective when it's offered to make someone feel better.”
2. Example in a Sentence
- Forbes Example:
- “According to the old bromide, the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. My grandfather, who had limited formal education but a wealth of common sense, countered that with just water and fertilize your own grass. After all, it’s your grass and you are in charge of how it grows. Besides, that other stuff may be nothing but astroturf.”
— [00:59] - This quote illustrates how a bromide can be contrasted with more practical or original advice.
- “According to the old bromide, the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. My grandfather, who had limited formal education but a wealth of common sense, countered that with just water and fertilize your own grass. After all, it’s your grass and you are in charge of how it grows. Besides, that other stuff may be nothing but astroturf.”
3. Historical Context
- Before its figurative meaning, “bromide” referred to chemical compounds, particularly potassium bromide, used as a sedative in the late 1800s.
- “Before the PSI inducing type, though, bromides were most familiar in compounds like potassium bromide, used in the late 1800s as a sedative to treat everything from epilepsy to sleeplessness.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:27]
- “Before the PSI inducing type, though, bromides were most familiar in compounds like potassium bromide, used in the late 1800s as a sedative to treat everything from epilepsy to sleeplessness.”
- Etymology:
- The element bromine was discovered in 1826.
- Bromide compounds lost favor with the invention of barbiturates in the early 20th century.
- The word took on its new meaning “…around the same time that the word bromide started to be applied to anything or anyone dull enough to make one drowsy.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:50]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the core meaning:
- “A bromide is a statement intended to make someone feel happier or calmer, but too dull and unoriginal to be effective.”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:48]
- “A bromide is a statement intended to make someone feel happier or calmer, but too dull and unoriginal to be effective.”
-
On figurative use:
- “…around the same time that the word bromide started to be applied to anything or anyone dull enough to make one drowsy.”
— Peter Sokolowski [01:50]
- “…around the same time that the word bromide started to be applied to anything or anyone dull enough to make one drowsy.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:42 – Introduction of “bromide,” spelling, and primary definition
- 00:59 – Example sentence from Forbes, explanation in context
- 01:18 – Clarification of what constitutes a bromide
- 01:27 – Historical use of bromide as a sedative
- 01:50 – Shift to figurative use; association with dullness or triteness
Tone & Language
Peter Sokolowski delivers the episode in a clear and accessible manner, keeping explanations concise and approachable for word enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Summary
This episode offers an illuminating look at the word “bromide,” highlighting its journey from chemistry to common speech and illustrating how language adapts to describe the underwhelming and overused platitudes that populate everyday conversation.