A `buzzword' can either be a word or a phrase that has suddenly become very popular in a particular field. Reporters from the various news media pick up on it and constantly use it in their stories. As a result, the ordinary public becomes familiar with it as well. In recent years, `biotechnology' has been the buzzword in medicine. `Empowerment', `paradigm shift' and `synergy' are the other examples of buzzwords.

A `password', on the other hand, is usually a secret word or phrase that you are expected to know in order to enter restricted places. It tells the other person who you are. For example, if you want to check your email, you have to type in your user mail id and your password. If you forget the password, you will be denied access. Unlike buzzwords, passwords are not usually new, and are not used frequently by one and all. They are usually kept a secret.