Bromide (language)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bromide is a phrase, or person who uses phrases, which have been used and repeated so many times as to become either insincere in their meaning, or seem like an attempt at trying to explain the obvious.
The origin of the term is certain bromide salts (sodium bromide and potassium bromide) long used in medicine as tranquilizers and sedatives.
In his book, Are You A Bromide?, Gelett Burgess uses the terms Bromide and Sulphite to describe two differing views on how people think. Bromide minds are classified as being tied to tradition, while Sulphite minds are those that think more freely. The bromide mind "belie[ves] that each of the ordinary acts of life is, and necessarily must be, accompanied by its own especial remark or opinion." Meaning that a Bromide can be counted on being the one to remark on what others would take for granted, and as such not comment upon.
A few example bromides:
- "He has told that lie so often that he believes it himself, now."
- "This will be just like taking candy from a baby."
- "It is not the heat, it is the humidity."
- "I do not know much about art, but I know what I like."
[edit] External link
- Are You a Bromide?, available at Project Gutenberg.
