Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Cliches. Organic. Bully pulpit. Fimfy.
Oct 31, 2023
Linguistics and American Studies professors discuss cliches, idioms, slang, and the annoying nature of overused phrases. They delve into the 700-year history of the word 'organic' and its different meanings, from bodily organs to natural growth. Additionally, a personal story is shared about a made-up word and its impact.
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Quick takeaways
- Clichés can become trite and unoriginal due to their constant use, annoying certain audiences.
- 'Organic' has evolved from its original associations with bodily organs to encompass broader connotations in various contexts.
Deep dives
The Use of Clichés
Clichés are overused phrases that annoy people. They are distinct from idioms and slang. Clichés can become trite and unoriginal due to their constant use. The term 'cliché' originated from the printing process, in which an image was repeatedly reproduced in an identical form. Some clichés have been around for centuries, but their overuse can make them tiresome for certain audiences. Words and phrases used together can take on different meanings depending on the speaker and listener.
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