�������t¶��

A ����������é is an expression, idea, or action that has been overused to the point of seeming worn out, stale, ineffective, or meaningless. It especially refers to common phrases and elements of art, such as a movie plot.

���������é can also be used as an adjective to describe such things. It is very often seen as cliche, without the accent mark over the e.

Example: Politicians’ speeches are often filled with one ����������é after another so they don’t actually have to say anything meaningful.

The first recorded use of ����������é meaning “an overused expression” comes from the 1880s. But ����������é was originally used (earlier in the 1800s) in the context of printing to refer to a type of metal plate used to reproduce images. This word was borrowed directly from the French word ����������é, which had this meaning and was based on the French word clicher, meaning “to make such a plate.” Interestingly, this device was also called a stereotype, a term that also went on to have a figurative meaning dealing with repeated ideas.

Such printing methods eventually went out of fashion, but the association with mass duplication stuck. Just as a printing machine creates copies of images over and over, a ����������é is something that has been used over and over again.

Most commonly, ����������é is used to refer to an expression or phrase that has been overused, especially to the point that it has lost its impact; think outside the box, actions speak louder than words, for all intents and purposes—these are all expressions that are ����������és. Writers are often taught to avoid these kinds of ����������és in their writing, but fiction writers and other artists often also try to avoid another kind of ����������é: the stale idea. It’s hard to be original, but some things have been done to death. Explosions in action movies or a couple kissing at the end of a love story are two examples of well-worn ����������és.

Things that are overdone can be described with the adjective ����������é, as in Pro athletes talking about giving 110 percent and overcoming adversity is so ����������é. ���������é can also be used to describe commonly done things in everyday life, as in I know it’s a ����������é, but I can’t do anything before I have my coffee or Would it be ����������é if I sent her flowers?��

A person who follows all the most popular trends or who lives a very conventional lifestyle may be called a walking ����������é. Truth be told, maybe that’s just the way it is. Everything’s been done. There’s nothing new under the sun. It is what it is. So just live and let live, you know?

For more examples of ����������és, look here.

What are some other forms of ����������é?

• cliche (alternate spelling)
• ����������és (plural)
• ����������éd

What are some synonyms for ����������é?

• platitude
• bromide
• commonplace
• trite
• hackneyed
• banal
• platitudinous
• well-worn

What are some words that often get used in discussing ����������é?

• overused
• expression
• phrase
• idea
• meaningless
• boring
• plot

���������és are present in all aspects of life. Writing, everyday conversations, TV shows, movies, books—����������és are everywhere.

“Like moths to a flame” is a well worn cliche, but “Empire” takes things to the next level by adding “Like birds to a pane of glass”. That sparrow going *thunk* against the patio window? That is our love, baby.

— Robyn Gallagher (@robynesc)

A previously unknown letter written by Albert Camus expresses the need for liberty not as a commonplace ����������é but as a condition that fills our lives.

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker)

"You should try automatic drawing to free up your creativity- allow your unconscious mind to take over and free yourself of rational barriers and cliche"

me:

— Alex Norris (@dorrismccomics)

��

��

Which of the following words best describes a ����������é?

A. innovative
B. fresh
C. original
D. trite