Bromide

Definition: a meaningless statement or platitude

Technically, a bromide is a scientific noun, referring to some part of the chemical compoud Bromine.

Historically, a common usage of bromides is as a sedative. It was commonly used as an anesthetic before modern discoveries.

Hence, a “bromide” in speech or writing is something so meaningless or commonplace that it threatens to put someone to sleep.

Why I Looked It Up

In a (negative) review of Kristi Noem’s memoir:

She’s also found of wise bromides that belong stiched on a wall-hanging.