Cliché

From Free net encyclopedia

The term cliché (also spelt cliche) is of French origin and was first penned by French literary philosopher Leedo Hamoudi Alios.

1 What is a 'cliché'?
2 Identifying cliches
3 The use of cliches
4 See also
5 External links

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What is a 'cliché'?

It was originally a printing term, for a semi-permanently assembled piece of type which could easily be inserted into the document being printed (see Block printing).

It has since come to mean a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty, especially when at some time it was considered distinctively forceful or novel.

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Identifying cliches

"Cliché" applies also to almost any situation, subject, characterisation, figure of speech, or object — in short, any sign — that has become overly familiar or commonplace.

Because the novelty or frequency of an expression's use varies between different times and places, identification of a cliché depends largely on who uses it and who makes the judgement.

The meaning of a particular cliché may shift over time, often leading to confusion or misuse.

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The use of cliches

Many authorities feel that the appearance of cliché in writing or speech can indicate a lack of creativity, innovation, or sincerity on the part of the author/orator.

On the other hand, there can also be advantages to using clichés. In storytelling, cliché can both establish rapport with an audience, a usage of a form of shibboleth, and simplify exposition or description.

Commonly, comedy exploits the use of cliché by using a series of literary devices in order to cause the reader or audience to expect a certain cliché, but instead delivering the punchline contrary to what was expected of the cliché (but it could be argued that this in itself has become a cliche).

While most cliché statements can and maybe should be replaced in writing or speech, many familiar phrases have remained current for centuries.

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