pabulum

Pabulum is a term that refers to bland, uninspired, or simplistic content, often found in writing, speech, or media. It suggests a lack of substance, originality, or intellectual depth. The word derives from the Latin word "pabulum," meaning food, fodder, or nourishment, implying something that is easily digestible but ultimately unchallenging or lacking in nutritional value.

In a literary or journalistic context, pabulum describes writing that is overly generalized, repetitive, or lacks a strong point of view. It can be characterized by clichés, vague statements, and a general absence of specific details or persuasive arguments. Such content might be produced to appeal to the widest possible audience, but in doing so, it often fails to engage or provoke thought.

The term can also be applied to spoken language that is superficial or lacks meaningful content. In media, pabulum might describe entertainment that is formulaic, predictable, or designed for passive consumption rather than active engagement. Critics often use the term "pabulum" to express disappointment with content they perceive as intellectually weak or creatively barren.