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Clichés: Avoid them like the plague

“It is a cliché that most clichés are true, but then, like most clichés, that cliché is untrue.“
- Stephen Fry, Moab Is My Washpot

What is a cliché?
A cliché, or cliche, (pronounced klee-shay) is an overused, trite expressions or idea. Many cliches are idioms, but not all idioms are necessarily cliches. To say something is a cliche is a negative comment, whereas idioms usually are not. Sometimes cliches are used to be ironic or humourous.

Etymology
A cliché was a term used in printing plates cast from movable type. Letters were set individually, one at a time – so it made sense to cast the same phrase over and again as one single block of metal. That constantly repeated phrase was known as a cliché, or stereotype.

When should I avoid cliches?
Cliches are fine to use once in a while, especially in conversations with other people. In creative writing, you want to avoid them so your “originality” can shine through. In terms of academic writing, you should probably avoid them as well. This allows for your argument and evidence to be the main focus of your writing – not your wordiness. While cliches or idioms demonstrate knowledge of the English language and their more contextual meanings, overusing them in professional and scientific reports is probably not a good idea.

The everyday variety of cliches
The everyday variety of cliches may be harder to notice because these are the expressions that we use so unconsciously, they become invisible and deaden the effects of our writing. Here are a few examples of worn-out or vague phrases found in student work:

“everyday life” – you should either cut this out completely, or be more specific. Why? Well, everyday life is very different for a college student compared to a stock broker or homeless person.
“in today’s society”, “in today’s day and age” – you can say currently, presently, or today
“people” – which ones? Be specific!

Cliches as concepts or ideas
Cliches are not only sayings. Cliches can be ideas or concepts which are overfamiliar. Some examples include grandfathers/mothers with twinkling eyes, cute “fluffy” kittens or bunnies, pounding hearts, sweaty palms, men on deserted islands, wearing sunglasses indoors, and stomachs with butterflies. These are considered “cheesy”.

Traditional cliches
Here are some traditional examples of cliches.

“Avoid it like the plague.”
“It’s a cliche because it’s true.”
“There’s no place like home.”
“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
“When it rains, it pours.”
“I had the time of my life!”
“Time heals all wounds.”
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“Before I knew it…”
“Little did I know…”
“It’s only a matter of time”
“Even to this day”
“Speak of the devil…”
“It was a dark and stormy night.”
“Once upon a time.”



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Clangnuts
Eliot

MayMay
  • Authority 594
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MayMay said:

Great lesson, Tiffany!

“This is just the beginning.”

Keep them coming.

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  • Posted about 1 month ago.
Carsten
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Carsten said:

Down with clichés! (My avatar is an example of a visual cliché.)

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  • Posted about 1 month ago.
lucyinthesky
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lucyinthesky said in response to:
Carsten
Carsten’s post:
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Down with clichés! (My avatar is an example of a visual cliché.)

Ah yes, but alas it is an ironic cliche. As long as you are aware of it, I don’t mind :)

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  • Posted about 1 month ago.
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