cough syrup

noun

1. a medicated, syruplike fluid, usually flavored and nonnarcotic or mildly narcotic, for relieving coughs or soothing irritated throats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cough syrup¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Chris Robinson, the actor who played Dr. Rick Webber on “General Hospital” and also introduced America to a classic turn of phrase in a commercial for cough syrup, has died of heart failure.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Robinson had 100 TV and film acting credits, according to IMDb, his most famous role might be one many people don’t realize they are referencing: He was the actor in a Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial who first spoke the words, “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.”

From Los Angeles Times

They were mostly young Black and brown kids wearing some combination of Chiefin Heavily, That’s An Awful Lot of Cough Syrup and earlier runs of Drakeo merch.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities also suspected the men of burglarizing a Melrose Avenue boutique called “Whole Lotta Cough Syrup,” a rare sneaker vendor in Encino, and pharmacies in Hollywood, North Hollywood and Sun Valley, although they have not been charged with these crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

The Finns consumed 25 times more heroin than anyone else in the world, at a time when that drug could be found in any pharmacy as pills or cough syrup.

From Salon