| name | power-words |
| description | Enhance copy with emotional trigger words from 18 psychological categories. Transform bland text into compelling, conversion-focused content. |
| triggers | power words, emotional words, trigger words, make copy stronger, punch up, make more compelling, persuasive copy, convert better |
| allowed-tools | Read, Write, Edit, Grep, Glob, AskUserQuestion |
Power Words Library
Transform ordinary copy into emotionally compelling content using psychological trigger words organized by emotional impact category.
What Are Power Words?
Power words are emotionally charged words that trigger psychological responses. They:
- Grab attention in crowded feeds
- Create urgency and desire
- Build trust and authority
- Drive action and conversion
Conversation Starter
Use AskUserQuestion to gather context. Ask the user:
- What copy needs enhancement? (headline, email, ad, landing page, CTA)
- What emotion should it evoke? (urgency, trust, curiosity, fear, desire)
- What action do you want? (click, buy, sign up, share)
- Current copy - Paste the text to enhance
The 18 Power Word Categories
1. IMPATIENCE (Create Urgency)
Trigger: Fear of missing out, desire for speed
| Word | Best For |
|---|---|
| Amp | Energy, intensity |
| Blast | Launch, announcements |
| Ignite | Starting action |
| Jumpstart | Beginning journeys |
| Kickstart | Campaigns, launches |
| Launch | New products |
| Quick-start | Onboarding |
| Speedy | Delivery, results |
| Supercharge | Enhancement |
| Turbo-charge | Performance |
| Smuggle | Exclusive access |
Example transformation:
- Before: "Get started today"
- After: "Jumpstart your growth today"
2. BEAUTY (Aesthetic Appeal)
Trigger: Desire for beauty and admiration
Words: Adorable, Awe-Inspiring, Beautiful, Breathtaking, Dazzling, Gorgeous, Stunning, Swoon, Swoon-worthy
Best for: Fashion, design, lifestyle, visual products
3. LUST (Desire & Temptation)
Trigger: Deep craving, forbidden pleasure
Words: Begging, Crave, Decadent, Delirious, Fantasy, Forbidden, Irresistible, Naked, Provocative, Seductive, Sexy, Sinful, Tantalizing, Satisfy
Best for: Food, luxury, experiences, premium products
Example:
- Before: "Try our chocolate cake"
- After: "Indulge in sinfully decadent chocolate cake"
4. INDULGENCE (Guilt-Free Pleasure)
Trigger: Permission to enjoy
Words: Guilt, Guilt-free, Indulgent, Obsessed, Ravenous, Lazy
Best for: Self-care, treats, premium experiences
5. EXCITEMENT (Energy & Anticipation)
Trigger: Thrill-seeking, curiosity
Words: Bold, Exciting, Fascinating, Intriguing, Riveting, Tempting, Thrilling, Transform
Best for: Events, launches, content teasers
6. NOVELTY (New & Different)
Trigger: Curiosity, fear of being outdated
| Word | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|
| Challenge | Competition, improvement |
| Discover | Exploration, curiosity |
| Extraordinary | Above average |
| Hack | Shortcut, insider knowledge |
| Latest | Fear of missing out |
| Life-changing | Transformation |
| Magic | Effortless results |
| Miracle | Unexpected success |
| New | Freshness |
| Remarkable | Worth talking about |
| Revolutionary | Category disruption |
| Sensational | Excitement |
| Shocking | Surprise |
| Spoiler | Insider info |
| Startling | Attention-grab |
| Suddenly | Unexpected change |
| Surprising | Delight |
| Unexpected | Pattern interrupt |
| Strange, Weird, Odd, Unusual | Curiosity |
Example:
- Before: "New marketing tips"
- After: "Shocking marketing hacks that feel like magic"
7. MEMORABILITY (Unforgettable Impact)
Trigger: Desire to stand out, be remembered
Words: Captivate, Genius, Memorable, Undeniable, Unforgettable, Unpopular, Impressive, Embarrassing
Best for: Personal branding, events, unique offers
8. HAPPINESS (Positive Emotion)
Trigger: Desire for well-being, peace
Words: Heartwarming, Inspiring, Profound, Zen, Alive, Light, Healthy
Best for: Wellness, community, feel-good content
9. PRESTIGE (Status & Luxury)
Trigger: Desire for status, exclusivity
Words: Expensive, Glamorous, Luxurious
Best for: Premium products, high-end services
10. SIMPLICITY (Ease & Clarity)
Trigger: Desire to avoid complexity
| Word | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Basic | Fundamentals |
| Cheat-Sheet | Quick reference |
| Easy | Low barrier |
| Effortless | No struggle |
| Ingredients | Components |
| Minimalist | Less is more |
| On-Demand | Instant access |
| Painless | No discomfort |
| Rules | Structure |
| Savvy | Smart shortcuts |
| Simple | Clarity |
| Step-by-Step | Process |
| Stupid-simple | Extreme ease |
| Tricks | Insider tips |
| Tweaks | Small changes |
Example:
- Before: "Learn email marketing"
- After: "The stupid-simple email marketing cheat-sheet"
11. SADNESS (Pain & Loss)
Trigger: Fear of negative outcomes, empathy
Words: Alarming, Crushing, Dead, Deceptive, Devastating, Excruciating, Exposed, Heartbreaking, Sadly, Shaming, Suffer, Avoid, Demoralizing, Problem
Best for: Problem-aware content, testimonials, case studies
Example:
- Before: "Common marketing mistakes"
- After: "Devastating marketing mistakes that crush conversion"
12. SAVAGERY (Intensity & Conflict)
Trigger: Primal emotions, fight response
Words: Agonizing, Apocalypse, Armageddon, Battle, Corrupt, Crazy, Deadly, Disgusting, Fight, Frenzy, Hate, Insane, Lunatic, Menacing, Painful, Poison, Rowdy, Sabotaging, Savage, Sins, Struggle, Treacherous, Uncontrollable, Vicious, Violent, Weak, Wild, Dying, Horrifying, Attack, Traumatized, Insult, Horribly, Hell
Best for: Competitive positioning, problem agitation, strong opinions
13. COMPLETENESS (Comprehensive Value)
Trigger: Desire for thoroughness, no gaps
| Word | Signal |
|---|---|
| Completely | Total coverage |
| Copy | Replication |
| Detailed | Depth |
| Essential | Must-have |
| Impenetrable | Bulletproof |
| Meticulous | Care |
| Overcome | Victory |
| Painstaking | Effort |
| Practical | Actionable |
| Recreate | Exact replication |
| Replicate | Copy success |
| Relentless | Persistence |
| Ultimate | Best possible |
| Master | Expertise |
| Perfect | Ideal |
| Super | Enhanced |
| Best, Truly, Packed, Extremely, Deep, Better | Superlatives |
Example:
- Before: "Marketing guide"
- After: "The ultimate, painstakingly detailed marketing masterclass"
14. GRAVITY (Weight & Importance)
Trigger: Recognition of significance
Words: Gargantuan, Gigantic, Huge, Intense, Massive, Gripping, Goddamn, Seriously
Best for: Emphasis, scale, importance
15. GREED (Desire for More)
Trigger: Acquisition, savings, gain
| Word | Emotional Hook |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Budget-friendly |
| Bargain | Great deal |
| Bonus | Extra value |
| Budget | Cost-conscious |
| Cheap | Low price |
| Convert | Action |
| Double, Triple | Multiplication |
| Free | Zero cost |
| Immediately, Instantly, Now, Today | Urgency |
| Forever | Permanence |
| Increase | Growth |
| Money | Financial |
| Never | Permanence |
| Off-limits | Scarcity |
| Overnight | Speed |
| Profit | Gain |
| Sale | Discount |
| Unlimited | No restrictions |
| Envy | Desire |
| Lucrative | Profitable |
| Steal | Great value |
Example:
- Before: "Get 50% off"
- After: "Steal this deal — 50% off ends today"
16. HUMOR (Entertainment)
Trigger: Desire for enjoyment, shareability
Words: Funniest, Hilarious, Laugh, Ridiculous
Best for: Social content, viral potential
17. AUTHORITY (Trust & Expertise)
Trigger: Desire for reliable guidance
| Word | Trust Signal |
|---|---|
| Absolute | Certainty |
| All-Inclusive | Comprehensive |
| Authentic | Genuine |
| Authoritative | Expert |
| Authority | Power |
| Backed | Supported |
| Bona fide | Legitimate |
| Complete | Thorough |
| Comprehensive | Full coverage |
| Conclusive | Final word |
| Definitive | Authoritative |
| Document | Proof |
| Expert | Knowledgeable |
| Final | Last word |
| Formula | System |
| Genuine | Real |
| Guaranteed | Risk-free |
| Honest | Truthful |
| Iron-clad | Unbreakable |
| Legitimate | Valid |
| Literally | Exact |
| Official | Sanctioned |
| Powerful | Strong |
| Proven | Tested |
| Psychological | Science-backed |
| Reliable | Dependable |
| Research, Studies | Evidence |
| Results | Outcomes |
| Solution | Answer |
| Strategy | Plan |
| Surefire | Certain |
| Validate | Confirm |
| Masterclass | Premium education |
Example:
- Before: "Marketing course"
- After: "The definitive, research-backed marketing masterclass"
18. EXCLUSIVITY (Insider Access)
Trigger: Desire to belong to elite group
| Word | Exclusivity Signal |
|---|---|
| Admit | Confession |
| Breaking | First to know |
| Confess, Confession | Secret sharing |
| Divulge | Reveal hidden |
| Elite | Top tier |
| Emerging | Early access |
| First | Priority |
| Hidden | Secret |
| Insider | Member only |
| Little-known | Rare knowledge |
| New | Fresh |
| Popular | Social proof |
| Priceless | Invaluable |
| Rare | Scarcity |
| Release | New availability |
| Reveal | Unveil |
| Secret | Hidden |
| Sly, Sneaky, Stealthy | Clever |
| Sneak-Peek | Preview |
| Special | Unique |
| Trend | Cutting edge |
| Truth | Honest |
| Unadulterated | Pure |
| Unconventional | Different |
| Uncovered, Undercover | Exposed |
| Underused | Hidden gem |
| Unique | One of a kind |
| Unseen, Untapped | New opportunity |
Example:
- Before: "Marketing tips"
- After: "Little-known marketing secrets the elite won't divulge"
19. PRIDE (Achievement & Avoidance)
Trigger: Fear of failure, desire for success
Positive: Achieve, Success, Fail-Proof Negative (avoid these mistakes): Absurd, Awkward, Blunder, Clueless, Cringeworthy, Dumb, Fail, Failure, Faux Pas, Fool, Foolish, Idiot, Lame, Last, Mediocre, Mistake, Obvious, Pitiful, Reject, Rookie, Ruin, Senseless, Shameful, Silly, Stupid, Threaten, Triggers, Unknowingly, Useless, Waste
Example:
- Before: "Common errors to avoid"
- After: "Rookie mistakes that make you look clueless"
20. SAFETY (Protection & Security)
Trigger: Fear of harm, desire for security
Words: Accuse, Assault, Beware, Broke, Catastrophe, Caution, Cheat, Dangerous, Diagnosed, Dirty, Emergency, Ethical, Exactly, Fierce, Hoax, Horror, Jeopardy, Lifetime, Protect, Provoke, Punch, Recession-Proof, Sacred, Safe, Scam, Scared, Shaking, Signs, Survive, Terrifying, Unstoppable, Belong, Promise, Stop
Example:
- Before: "Protect your business"
- After: "Bulletproof your business against catastrophic threats"
21. MIND-BLOWING (Amazement)
Trigger: Desire for awe, shareability
Words: Alluring, Amazing, Astonishing, Astounding, Awesome, Badass, Bomb, Brilliant, Catapult, Charming, Defying, Delicious, Delightful, Dreamy, Epic, Explosive, Exquisite, Greatness, Heavenly, Incredible, Jaw-dropping, Kickass, Legendary, Mesmerizing, Mouth-watering, Nail, Spellbinding, Sublime, Triumph, Unbelievable, Unleashed, Polarizing, Dominate
Example:
- Before: "Great results"
- After: "Jaw-dropping results that will catapult your growth"
Enhancement Process
Step 1: Identify Current Copy Weakness
- Bland verbs? (get, have, make)
- Generic adjectives? (good, great, nice)
- Passive voice?
- No emotional hook?
Step 2: Match Emotion to Goal
| Goal | Primary Category | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Sales/Conversion | Greed, Urgency | Exclusivity |
| Trust/Authority | Authority | Completeness |
| Engagement | Novelty | Mind-blowing |
| Fear-based | Safety, Sadness | Savagery |
| Desire-based | Lust, Beauty | Prestige |
| FOMO | Exclusivity | Impatience |
Step 3: Strategic Replacement
Rule of 3: Use 2-3 power words per headline or CTA. More feels forced.
Placement priority:
- First 3 words (hook)
- Last word (memory anchor)
- Action word (CTA verb)
Output Format
## Power Words Enhancement
### Original Copy
> [Original text]
### Analysis
- **Current emotion:** [What it evokes now]
- **Missing:** [What emotional triggers are absent]
- **Goal:** [Desired action/emotion]
### Recommended Categories
1. **[Category]** - [Why this fits]
2. **[Category]** - [Why this fits]
### Enhanced Versions
#### Option 1: [Primary emotion focus]
> [Enhanced copy with power words **bolded**]
**Power words used:** [word] (category), [word] (category)
**Emotional shift:** [Before emotion] → [After emotion]
#### Option 2: [Alternative angle]
> [Enhanced copy]
**Power words used:** [list]
#### Option 3: [Stronger/softer variant]
> [Enhanced copy]
---
### Before/After Comparison
| Element | Before | After |
|---------|--------|-------|
| Headline | [original] | [enhanced] |
| CTA | [original] | [enhanced] |
| Body hook | [original] | [enhanced] |
### Caution
- Don't over-season: 2-3 power words max per sentence
- Match audience tone: "Badass" doesn't fit corporate B2B
- Test variants: What resonates varies by audience
When to Use This Skill vs Others
Use power-words when... |
Use other skills when... |
|---|---|
| Enhancing existing copy | Need full copy written (content-writer) |
| Punching up headlines | Need brand names (brand-namer) |
| Improving CTAs | Need full landing page (landing-page-builder) |
| Making email subject lines pop | Need email sequence (email-nurture) |
| Social post hooks | Need content strategy (content-calendar) |
What This Skill Does NOT Do
- Write copy from scratch (enhances existing copy)
- Guarantee conversion (testing required)
- Replace brand voice guidelines
- Work for highly regulated industries (medical, financial) without compliance review