Cliché

Etymology and Meanings of Cliché

The word “cliché” originally comes from the French language, where it means “stereotype” or “printing plate.” It has been likely derived from the sound made by a printing plate when it is pressed onto paper.

The term was first used in English in the mid-19th century, and initially referred to a stereotype or electrotype printing plate used to produce multiple copies of the same image or text.

Over time, “cliché” came to be used metaphorically to refer to any overused or unoriginal phrase or idea. Today, the term is commonly used to describe a trite or predictable phrase or expression that lacks originality or creativity.

Meanings of Cliche

• The literal meaning of “cliché” is “printing plate” or “stereotype” in French. In the context of printing, a cliché is a plate made from a mold, used to reproduce an image or text multiple times. The term “stereotype” is related, as it originally referred to a metal printing plate that had been cast from a mold, and could be used to print the same text over and over again without any variations.
• The metaphorical meaning of “cliché” refers to a phrase, expression, or idea that has become so overused that it has lost its original impact or meaning. This usage likely originated from the idea that a printing plate or stereotype would be used so frequently that it would wear down or become dull, producing inferior copies of the original. The metaphorical use of “cliché” implies that the idea or expression in question is no longer fresh or original, but has become tired and unoriginal due to repeated use

Cliché in Grammar

Grammatically, “cliche” is a singular noun, and its plural form is “cliches”. The verb that agrees with “cliche” depends on the context of the sentence. For example:

• “The cliche is overused.” (singular subject, singular verb)
• “The cliches are overused.” (plural subject, plural verb)

In both cases, the verb agrees with the subject of the sentence, whether it is singular or plural.

Definition of Literary Device of Cliché

A literary device, a cliché is an overused expression or idea that has become so common it has lost its impact or originality. It is a phrase, concept or idea that has been used so frequently that it has become predictable or trite. Clichés are often avoided in literature, as they can detract from the originality and effectiveness of a writer’s work.

Types of Clichés

There are several types of clichés, including:

1. Language clichés: These are phrases or expressions that have become overused in a particular language or culture, such as “time heals all wounds,” “actions speak louder than words,” or “you only live once.”
2. Character clichés: These are stereotypes of characters that are used repeatedly in literature or film, such as the “damsel in distress,” the “wise old mentor,” or the “villain with a British accent.”
3. Plot clichés: These are predictable or formulaic storylines that are used repeatedly in literature or film, such as the “underdog overcoming the odds,” the “quest for a magical object,” or the “love triangle.”
4. Genre clichés: These are overused themes or elements that are associated with a particular genre of literature or film, such as the “haunted house” in horror, the “unlikely romance” in romantic comedies, or the “chosen one” in fantasy.
5. Setting clichés: These are common or overused settings in literature or film, such as the “small town with a dark secret,” the “dystopian society,” or the “magical realm.”
6. Dialogue clichés: These are common or overused lines of dialogue in literature or film, such as “we’re not so different, you and I,” “it’s not what it looks like,” or “we have to work together to stop them.”
7. Visual clichés: These are overused visual elements in film or television, such as the “slow-motion action scene,” the “zoom-in on a character’s face for dramatic effect,” or the “explosion in the background as the hero walks away.”
8. Sound clichés: These are overused sound effects or musical cues in film or television, such as the “record scratch to indicate a sudden change in mood,” the “dramatic sting to underscore a shocking reveal,” or the “heroic fanfare to accompany the protagonist’s triumph.”
9. Characterization clichés: These are overused character traits or descriptions that are used to quickly establish a character, such as the “stoic, brooding hero,” the “perky, bubbly best friend,” or the “cold, calculating villain.”
10. Plot device clichés: These are overused plot devices or twists that have become predictable or formulaic, such as the “dream sequence,” the “fake-out death,” or the “surprise twin sibling.”
11. Narrative clichés: These are overused narrative techniques or structures that have become predictable or formulaic, such as the “flashback,” the “frame story,” or the “unreliable narrator.”
12. Marketing clichés: These are overused marketing slogans or strategies that have become trite or ineffective, such as “new and improved,” “limited time offer,” or “act now before it’s too late.”

Common Examples of Cliché

Here are some common examples of clichés:

1. “Time heals all wounds”
2. “Every cloud has a silver lining”
3. “Actions speak louder than words”
4. “You can’t judge a book by its cover”
5. “The grass is always greener on the other side”
6. “Love conquers all”
7. “All’s fair in love and war”
8. “Better late than never”
9. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”
10. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”
11. “There’s no place like home”
12. “Rome wasn’t built in a day”
13. “Easy come, easy go”
14. “The early bird catches the worm”
15. “You reap what you sow”
16. “Behind every great man is a great woman”
17. “Life is a journey, not a destination”
18. “Ignorance is bliss”
19. “Laughter is the best medicine”
20. “Money can’t buy happiness”

Shakespearean Cliché

There are several phrases and expressions that Shakespeare used in his plays that have become clichés over time. Here are a few examples:

1. “To be or not to be, that is the question” (Hamlet)
2. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” (As You Like It)
3. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet)
4. “Brevity is the soul of wit” (Hamlet)
5. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet)
6. “The course of true love never did run smooth” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
7. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Macbeth)
8. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Macbeth)
9. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Romeo and Juliet)
10. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks” (Hamlet)

Examples of Cliché from Literature

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Extract: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Explanation: This quote from “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is spoken by the character Atticus Finch, and is often cited as a poignant statement about the importance of empathy and understanding others’ perspectives. It reminds us that we can never truly know someone else’s experience until we take the time to listen and try to see things from their point of view.

From 1984 by George Orwell

Extract: “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”

Explanation: This quote from “1984” by George Orwell is a statement about the importance of freedom of thought and expression. It suggests that if we are not even allowed to express basic mathematical truths, then we are truly living in a world without freedom. It highlights the idea that a society cannot truly be free if its citizens are not allowed to think or express themselves freely.

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Explanation: This quote from “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is the famous opening line of the novel. It is often cited as an example of Austen’s wit and social commentary. The quote pokes fun at the societal norms of the time, where marriage was often seen as a way for women to secure financial stability and for men to gain social status. It sets the tone for the novel and establishes the theme of marriage and social class that runs throughout the story.

From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Extract: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Explanation: This quote from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is the final sentence of the novel. It is often cited as a commentary on the human condition and the idea that we are always striving for something just out of reach. The metaphor of boats against the current suggests that we are constantly struggling against the forces of the past and our own limitations. The use of the word “ceaselessly” emphasizes the idea that this struggle is endless and never truly resolved.

From The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Extract: “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”

Explanation: This quote from “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is spoken by the protagonist Holden Caulfield. It reflects his disillusionment with the world and his fear of intimacy and connection with others. The quote suggests that by sharing ourselves with others, we become vulnerable to their judgment and rejection, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the risks and rewards that come with vulnerability.

Writing and Using a Cliché

While it’s generally best to avoid using clichés in your writing, sometimes they can be an effective way to convey a familiar idea or concept quickly and efficiently. If you do decide to use clichés in your writing, here are some steps to keep in mind:

1. Choose clichés that are relevant to your audience: Before you start writing, think about the audience you are writing for and what clichés might resonate with them. For example, if you’re writing a marketing email targeting millennials, you might use clichés like “out of the box” or “game changer.”
2. Use clichés sparingly: While clichés can be effective in certain situations, using them too often can make your writing sound trite and unoriginal. Try to limit your use of clichés and only use them when they add value to your writing.
3. Use clichés in a creative way: One way to make clichés feel fresh and interesting is to use them in unexpected ways. For example, instead of using the cliché “time is money” in a straightforward way, you could write “Time is the currency of life, and spending it wisely is the key to success.”
4. Modify clichés to make them your own: Another way to make clichés feel more original is to modify them in some way. For example, instead of using the cliché “diamond in the rough,” you could write “gemstone in the gravel.”
5. Use clichés with intention: When using clichés in your writing, be intentional about what you are trying to communicate. Ask yourself why you are using a particular cliché and what message you are trying to convey to your audience.

Benefits of Using Cliché

While it’s generally recommended to avoid clichés in your writing, there are some potential benefits to using them in certain situations. Here are a few examples:

1. Familiarity: Clichés are often familiar to readers, which can make them easy to understand and relate to. In some cases, using a cliché can help to establish a common ground between the writer and the reader, making it easier for the reader to engage with the text.
2. Economy of language: Clichés are often short and to the point, which can make them a useful tool for writers who want to convey a message quickly and efficiently. By using a familiar phrase or expression, writers can save time and space that might otherwise be used to explain a concept in more detail.
3. Tone: In some cases, using a cliché can help to establish a particular tone or mood in the writing. For example, using a clichéd phrase like “once upon a time” can help to create a sense of nostalgia or fantasy in the reader’s mind.
4. Satire and parody: Clichés are often used in satire and parody to poke fun at the conventions and expectations of a particular genre or style of writing. In these cases, the use of cliché can be deliberate and strategic, and can help to highlight the absurdity or predictability of a particular situation.

However, it’s important to note that these benefits are often outweighed by the negative effects of using clichés in your writing. Clichés can make your writing seem unoriginal, predictable, and lacking in creativity. It’s generally recommended to use fresh, original language and imagery to engage your readers and make your writing stand out.

Literary Device of Cliché in Literary Theory

The literary device of cliché is viewed differently in different literary theories. Here are a few examples:

1. Formalism: In the formalist approach to literature, clichés are often seen as a negative element of writing. Formalists believe that literature should be evaluated on its own merits, without regard for outside factors like historical context or authorial intention. Because clichés are seen as overused and lacking in originality, they are generally viewed as a flaw in the writing.
2. Structuralism: In the structuralist approach to literature, clichés are often seen as an example of the cultural codes and conventions that shape our understanding of the world. Structuralists believe that language and culture are interconnected, and that certain phrases and expressions become clichéd because they are deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. Therefore, clichés can be seen as a way of revealing the underlying structures and codes that govern our understanding of the world.
3. Postmodernism: In the postmodern approach to literature, clichés are often seen as a tool for subverting or deconstructing traditional literary forms and conventions. Postmodernists believe that there is no objective reality or universal truth, and that all meaning is constructed through language and cultural codes. By using clichés in unexpected or unconventional ways, postmodern writers can challenge and disrupt our assumptions about language and meaning.
4. Feminist theory: In feminist literary theory, clichés are often seen as a way of reinforcing gender stereotypes and perpetuating patriarchal values. Feminist critics argue that many clichés are rooted in sexist or misogynistic attitudes, and that they contribute to a culture that devalues women’s experiences and perspectives. Therefore, feminist writers often seek to subvert or challenge clichés in their writing, in order to create more nuanced and authentic representations of gender and identity.

Suggested Readings

Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. Translated by Annette Lavers, Hill and Wang, 1972.

Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines. Harper Perennial, 2003.

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2009. Skorczewski, Dawn. “Everybody Has Their Own Ideas”: Responding to Cliché in Student Writing.” College Composition and Communication (2000): 220-239.