The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. A word or phrase connected with a specialized field or group that usually sounds important or technical and is used primarily to impress laypersons: "'Sensitivity' is the buzzword in the beauty industry this fall” ( ADWEEK).
n. A word drawn from or imitative of technical jargon, and often rendered meaningless and fashionable through abuse by non-technical persons in a seeming show of familiarity with the subject.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition
Word Usage
"The problem with coming up with a new buzzword is that, instead of providing insight and beauty into a complex subject, it will be captured by hacks and beaten to death with the Cliche Stick."