What is the definition of cliche. What Does Cliche Mean? 2022-11-06

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A cliche is a phrase or idea that has become overly familiar and trite through repeated use. It is a form of expression that has lost its originality and impact due to its overuse in popular culture. Cliches are often used as a quick and easy way to communicate a point or convey a feeling, but they can also be seen as hackneyed and lacking in depth or originality.

Cliches can be found in various forms of communication, including written and spoken language, as well as visual media such as advertisements or movies. They can also be found in everyday conversation, where they are often used as a way to convey emotions or thoughts in a familiar and easily understood way.

Some common examples of cliches include phrases like "time heals all wounds," "the early bird gets the worm," and "actions speak louder than words." These phrases have been used so frequently that they have lost much of their original meaning and impact, and are often met with a sense of boredom or cynicism.

While cliches can be useful for conveying simple ideas or emotions, they can also be seen as a sign of a lack of creativity or originality. In writing or communication, it is often more effective to use fresh, original language that engages the reader or listener, rather than relying on tired, overused expressions.

Overall, the definition of a cliche is a phrase or idea that has become overly familiar and lacks originality due to its overuse. It is important to be mindful of the use of cliches in communication, as they can detract from the impact and effectiveness of the message being conveyed.

Definition and Examples of Cliches

what is the definition of cliche

Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Because readers have largely lost this unique context, the phrase has also lost the specificity which may have once made it a potent metaphor. Many clichés have their origins in classics like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. But by then twisting the outcome to something unexpected, the writer can surprise and delight the reader or audience. And how is this accomplished? These beautiful casts of French medals made a clicking sound in an earlier time, hence their technical meaning. While that may not true, you don't want to set yourself up to be knocked down.

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When to use the word cliche? Explained by FAQ Blog

what is the definition of cliche

A lot of people, however, simply use them out of habit. You might have a great cliché in mind because its meaning rings true for you, such as, "time heals all wound. Imagine the writer of a letter to the editor undertaking the exercise of writing this sort of public letter for the first time: they probably have a couple of specific goals in mind. Just because someone says something is a cliché doesn't mean you have to agree. Further context is needed to understand if the speaker is saying this to complain or brag. By reading these example sentences that contain the word cliche, you can learn how to use this word in your daily life. What Are Synonyms of the Word Cliche? Follow the links at the end of this handout for much more comprehensive lists of clichés.

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50+ Examples of Cliches: Meaning and Origin

what is the definition of cliche

Cliche Definition A type of What Is a Cliche? Like many other highly useful, gorgeous, and popular phrases, this method of refutation emerged years ago from AAVE, gained popularity in the queer community, and thereafter filtered out to every basic bitch me who spent any time on the internet. Q: Maybe you're coming down with a cold. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! Clichés often are employed for comic effect, typically in fiction. You may have a cliché. The obvious meaning is that, in a bad situation, any help will do. Some examples also show cases of writers purposefully using clichés to fully capture their characters own clichéd thoughts and, in some cases, to show their character growing beyond uninformed and clichéd beliefs to a deeper understanding of reality. Most phrases now considered clichéd originally were regarded as striking, but have lost their force through overuse.

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Clichés

what is the definition of cliche

Platitudes A platitude is a meaningless statement, used to ease social tension or otherwise avoid unpleasantness. A: Oh, fair to middling. Any well-worn statement that conveys a familiar feeling in a super-dull way fits the cliche definition. Instead, be smart as a whip. Reginald Perrin: The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The best way to develop an ear for clichés as well as for originality is to read as much as you can.

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Clichéd Definition & Meaning

what is the definition of cliche

Who gets the money? Which is why they get such a bad rep. The term is frequently used in modern culture for an action or idea that is expected or predictable, based on a prior event. Currently, she lives in Indiana with her husband and two sons. What do you really mean? In this connection, David Mason and John Frederick Nims cite a particularly harsh judgement by Salvador Dalí: "The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot. Is Romeo and Juliet cliché? Kidnapping the love interest during a film is a bit of a clichu00E9. This work is licensed under a You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The poet was an original thinker and vowed never to use cliches in her writing; she did not want to come off as an imbecile in her poems or short stories.

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Understanding the Cliche Definition: It Is What It Is

what is the definition of cliche

Thus a small genre of clichés is born. Who was in power during the specific historical context I am addressing? Are all of these really clichés? Kindly share in the comments below! But even this line of attack fails to separate cliché from the common forms of polite social intercourse. At the same time, certain phrases or sayings for instance: "It's not you; it's me" are recognized by nearly everyone as being clichés. In modern culture and linguistics, cliche took on its current meaning in the 19th century. Clichés can also obscure fully-developed ideas by serving as placeholders for a more sophisticated discussion.

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Cliché

what is the definition of cliche

Even though they already knew the ending, they loved the simple story, and it made them feel happy. From Indiana Jones to Frodo and friends, pop culture is packed with that specific cliche — at least at face value. Dictionaries vary in particulars about the definition of cliché, but they all agree that a cliché is not a good thing. . But the second did it with more specificity—in other words, by using detailed evidence to reinforce her more general claims about herself.

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Internet Slang That Is Now Cliche

what is the definition of cliche

The phrases "simply revelled in" and "acme of first class music as such" are supposed to ring hollow, to read like clichés. The adjectival form of cliché is actually "clichéd," as in "His speech was so clichéd" pronounced "klee- shade". You might say all this, that is, if you have an ear dead to the grossest of clichés. Reginald Perrin: And that is? CJ: Necessity is the mother of intention. When to use the word cliche? How might the novice letter writer achieve these two goals? But you might disagree with that sentiment. What are some examples of clichés? Make sure that your argument and writing are specific to you and your writing task. See More Recent Examples on the Web Gifting a candle is a little cliche, but this one, which true to its name smells smokey and sweet and warm, is a thoughtful present for someone who loves to spend time by the fireplace.

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