What counts as a first word?

I always thought it was when LO says something... and knows what she is saying. She has been saying "mama" for a while now, and has just learned "dada." But she'll say it all day long not having a clue what's coming out of her own mouth. Hubby says that counts, since she's technically saying a word. What do you think?

And for funsies, what was your LO's first word? If hubby was right my LO's first word was "mama!"