Obviously clichés are trends set in time and spread to places by their quality of being catchy and repeatable. And though some will live in infamy—evidently we’re just unwilling to give them up—some will, with any luck, be lost to future generations. An article in Connecticut Life gave me this “hot list” of current clichés that are to be avoided like the plague—which is one of those clichés that time has shown to be forever in vogue. But some new ones being tossed about are getting pretty old already:
Unnecessary Words Category: As we speak; the state of Connecticut (or wherever); out there. Trendy Talk: Something is “pricey”, “share” our feelings; having an “issue” with something; “key players”; and being “impacted” by instead of plain old affected by something. Bad Metaphors: “Push the envelope” has always been one I’ve hated; “loose cannon; window of opportunity. Talking in Formulas: The compare/contrast techniques such as “good news/bad news”; “Did I do that?/You bet I did.” And the Connecticut Lottery was singled out for advertising: “Is this fun or what?”
Most writers know this: If a phrase such as one of these, or especially one of the old time-worn goodies comes too easily to mind and rolls right out on the paper or monitor screen, grab that eraser or hit delete.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
Most irritating cliches to me include people who know nothing about government using the phrase ‘checks and balances’ in wildly inappropriate context; the overformed but ungirded ‘this is a republic, not a democracy’; and praising God for something great but blaming something/one else when something awful happens.
Your mother’s drawing of the It Girl is very nice.
Yes, you hit on two of my favorites. Me, I figure if you thank God for the good things, you can point the finger when things don’t go so well. Or, if you tend to blame yourself, then step right up and take the credit as well.
Thanks for appreciating my mom’s drawing. It’s real special to me, and your comment reminds me that either on this one or another, she has “The It Girl” written on the back!