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Cliché: meaning, definitions and examples

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cliché

 

[klɪˈʃeɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

A cliché is an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality or impact due to frequent repetition. Clichés are often seen as unoriginal and lacking creativity.

Synonyms

banality, platitude, truism.

Examples of usage

  • He used so many clichés in his speech that it was hard to take him seriously.
  • The movie was filled with clichés, making it predictable and boring.
Context #2 | Noun

in writing

In writing, a cliché is a phrase or idea that has been used so often that it has become stale and uninteresting. Writers are often encouraged to avoid clichés in order to create more original and engaging content.

Synonyms

hackneyed phrase, stereotype, worn-out expression.

Examples of usage

  • The author was criticized for relying on clichés in his novel, making it feel cliché and uninspired.
  • The use of clichés in the poem detracted from its overall impact and originality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originating from French, the word 'cliché' was originally a term for a printing plate used to create repetitive images.
  • The term was adapted into English in the late 19th century, capturing the essence of something that is overly familiar.
  • It relates to the concept of chichis, which refers to dullness or banality in expression.

Literature

  • Clichés can weaken writing as they often distract or disengage the reader who seeks originality.
  • Many famous authors, like Oscar Wilde, deliberately employed clichés to satirize societal norms and conventions.
  • In poetry, reliance on clichés can hinder the emotional impact, leading to predictable and uninspired work.

Pop Culture

  • Movies are rife with clichés, like the 'damsel in distress' or the 'hero's journey', which can make plots feel predictable.
  • Catchphrases from popular TV shows, such as 'I’m ready!' from SpongeBob SquarePants, often become clichés when overused.
  • Some clichés can later become iconic, such as 'happily ever after' in fairy tales, illustrating the tension between original storytelling and repetitive tropes.

Psychology

  • Clichés might provide a comfort blanket for communication, allowing individuals to connect through shared phrases, even when they lack depth.
  • Using clichés can sometimes signal laziness in thought or lack of engagement in a conversation or written work.
  • Psychologists suggest that relying on clichés can reflect societal trends, showing how collective experiences shape language patterns.

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, a cliché can refer to themes or styles that have become so repetitive that they lack creative value.
  • Artists often seek to subvert clichés by flipping visual tropes on their head, prompting viewers to rethink common interpretations.
  • Graphic design also grapples with clichés, where certain styles can gain popularity but eventually become overused and lose impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "cliché" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clichê

🇮🇳 क्लिचे

🇩🇪 Klischee

🇮🇩 klise

🇺🇦 кліше

🇵🇱 klisza

🇯🇵 クリシェ

🇫🇷 cliché

🇪🇸 cliché

🇹🇷 klişe

🇰🇷 클리셰

🇸🇦 كليشيه

🇨🇿 klišé

🇸🇰 klišé

🇨🇳 陈词滥调

🇸🇮 klišé

🇮🇸 klisjé

🇰🇿 кліше

🇬🇪 კლიშე

🇦🇿 klishe

🇲🇽 cliché

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,794, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.