I discovered recently, while having a conversation with some young people, that what we consider clichés are actually new to some of them.
I was surprised to learn that my generation’s tried and true, overused phrases might actually be fresh to today’s young readers. Unless their parents or grandparents used terms such as, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” “got hitched,” “born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” “Dutch treat,” “penny wise, pound foolish,” etc., subsequent generations won’t hear them growing up. And when they read them in books, they’ll consider these phrases and terms new and unique.
And think about this—after a few more generations of not using these old clichés, they will go by the wayside and, perhaps, disappear, only to be replaced by new phrases that will eventually become clichés. In the meantime, we’d be losing some very clever and poignant ways of relaying our thoughts and moving our stories forward.
I think you’ve heard/read me say that I love clichés. I use them more than I probably should in my speaking. I try not to use them in my writing. However, some of them are so meaningful and powerful, I would be among those fighting against eliminating them altogether.
Clichés are considered old, tired phrases that have no place in our writing projects. But some would disagree. The arguments for clichés include the fact that sometimes a cliché is the best way to convey a message or mood in writing. And most of us certainly use them as shortcuts to understanding in our speaking.
A cliché used for the sake of ease is frowned on. But the clever use of a cliché is often applauded.
Where do the clichés come from? Some of them are “as old as dirt.” They come from literature such as Shakespeare and the Bible. Some clichés we use have come into being in more recent years through political messages, presidential presentations, the military, sports, etc.
Right along with clichés as passé for writers are puns. I love puns, too. A pun is a play on words. And they can be freshly created by an author of merit and still be considered trite. You see (and hear) puns everywhere. But writers and speakers try to keep them to a minimum. I guess that is wise—too many of them certainly could spoil an article or a chapter in your book.
Here’s your assignment today—for fun, use a cliché or two. Or at least recognize and acknowledge when you automatically use a cliché in your speaking throughout the day. It may do your heart good and you know it is easy as pie to come up with no brainer clichés. And remember time flies when you’re having fun.
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Ah-h Clichés
… I’m rather fond of mutilating them…. “A horse of an entirely different kettle of fish”… or adding my own unique twist… “A whole ‘nuther kettle of kittens”… I have NO idea where that one came from apart from the words ‘kettle’ and’ kittens’ spice up the tongue when said together…
Clichés are not only clichéd, but they’re also alarmingly true more often than not… and, if in a generation they’re unknown, us cliché users can carve a new niche for ourselves… the discerning author can’t put all her eggs in one bush, she needs diversify in these uncertain times!