byword

English

Etymology

From Middle English byworde (“proverb”), from Old English bīword, bīwyrde (“proverb, household word", also "adverb”), from bī- (“by-”) + word (“word”); probably a translation of Latin proverbium. Compare also Old High German pīwurti (“proverb”), Old English bīspel (“proverb, example”), bīcwide (“byword, proverb, tale, fable”). More at byspel.

Noun

byword (plural bywords)

1. a proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase
2. a person who, or a thing that represents something with specified characteristics, byspel
3. an object of notoriety or interest
4. a nickname or epithet
5. (by extension) an object of scorn or derision

Translations

a proverb

Bulgarian: поговорка (bg)

a person who, represents something

Bulgarian: нарицателно (bg) n., олицетворение (bg) n.