catch-phrase 的詞源

也稱作 catchphrase，“習慣而又反覆的短語”，始見於1837年，源自 catch（動詞）和 phrase（名詞）。概念是指那些會“牢記並傳播”的詞語（類比於 catchword，早期使用的一個詞； 還可參考 catchy）。最初出現在政治語境中，也可用於流行的戲劇臺詞。

This new experiment consists in a "divorce of bank and State." This is a mere catch-phrase, which was originally introduced by artful and designing politicians to impose upon the credulity and honesty of the people. Many have adopted it without reflecting or inquiring as to its import, or its consequences. [Sen. Talmage (Georgia), U.S. Senate debate on the Sub-Treasury Bill, Sept. 22, 1837]

這項新的實驗就在於“銀行和國家的離婚”。這只是一個簡單的流行語，最初是由狡猾的政客們用來欺騙人民的輕信和誠實。很多人接受了它，沒有反省或詢問它的意義或後果。[塔爾馬奇參議員（喬治亞），1837年9月22日美國參議院關於子庫法案的辯論]

In political or partisan squibs, the introduction of such phrases may be properly allowed, though sparingly ; for they are most undoubtedly a species of ornament that soon nauseates upon repetition. There is a still lower species of "slang," consisting of the "catch phrase of the day," in great vogue among the gods at the minor theatres, that we only mention to reprobate entirely ; and which, as common sense is no ingredient in its concoction, is as destitute of energy as it is abhorrent to a cultivated ear. ["T.A.," "Guide for the Writing-Desk; or, Young Author's and Secretary's Friend," etc., London, 1846]

在政治或黨派性的攻擊中，這些詞語的引入可以得到適度的認可，但是請注意使用次數； 因爲他們無疑是一種裝飾，但過度地使用會欠缺新意。還有一種更低級的“俚語”，即“當天的流行語”，在小劇場中很流行，但我們完全反對； 因爲它的製作中缺乏常識，所以缺乏衝擊力，同時也無法打動有修養的聽衆。["T.A.", "寫作指南； 或者，年輕作家和祕書的朋友"等書，倫敦，1846年]