Bromide

ˈbroʊˌmaɪd

noun

a trite and unoriginal remark or idea

The word 'bromide' originated from the name of a chemical compound, potassium bromide, which was once used as a sedative. Over time, the term evolved to refer to insipid or overused expressions or ideas.

ENCYCLOPEDIA GALACTICA Limmar Ponyets was completely a-lather when the call reached his receiver - which proves that the old bromide about telemessages and the shower holds true even in the dark, hard space of the Galactic Periphery.

Asimov, Isaac

Foundation 1 - Foundation