ten-cent word
A short and common word used in place of a longer and more uncommon one.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't use a ten-cent word when a fancy one works better.”
“He prefers to use a ten-cent word instead of a complex term so that everyone understands his point.”
“While the professor favored academic jargon, the student preferred a ten-cent word to ensure the core message remained accessible to the entire audience.”
- 01
bad word
A vulgar word.
- 02
breathe a word
To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).
- 03
dicky
[Cockney slang]word
- 04
dirty word
The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.
- 05
empty words
Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.
- 06
from the word go
From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.
- 07
get the word out
To make some information more widely known.
- 08
hang on every word
To be completely attentive to what another person is saying.
Last updated August 10, 2026