Clich

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A phrase or idea that has been overused and lacks originality | A stereotypical expression that fails to evoke genuine emotion due to its frequent use | A concept or term that has become predictable and uninspired through excessive repetition
  2. A commonly used phrase or idea that has lost its impact due to overuse | An expression or notion that is predictable and uninspired because it is frequently stated | A term or saying that lacks freshness and originality as a result of being used too often
  3. An expression or idea that has become trite and lacks originality due to excessive use

Etymology: The term "cliché" entered English in the 19th century, borrowed from French printing jargon. Its origin lies in the sound made by a particular stereotype printing plate—a "cliché"—which was used to reproduce the same image or text repeatedly. Printers would say the name mimicking the clicking noise of the plate dropping into place. This mechanical reproduction became a metaphor for any phrase or idea worn out by overuse. In French, "cliché" derives from the verb "clicher," which means "to click," imitating the sound of the stereotype plate. The word itself originally referred to the physical printing plate made by pressing molten metal into a mold, which was created by pressing ("clicking") an original type or image. By the late 1800s, the metaphorical sense had spread to describe ideas or expressions mechanically repeated without thought or originality. When English borrowed the term, it retained both the pronunciation and the sense of something overused and trite. Over time, "cliché" became firmly associated with language—phrases, sayings, or literary devices—that had lost freshness or impact through excessive repetition. The journey from a technical printing term to a descriptor of stale ideas reflects the shift from concrete mechanical origins to abstract cultural critique. Although commonly spelled "cliché," it is sometimes seen without the accent as "cliche," especially in English texts. Despite this, the pronunciation and meaning remain tied closely to its French roots. The word has since become a staple in discussions of literature, art, and everyday speech, highlighting the tension between originality and repetition.

Synonyms: stereotype, platitude

Antonyms: originality, innovation