Clichés [English]

Le présent article a été rédigé par Jonathan Goldberg, que je remercie. Une traduction en français sera publiée demain.


Cliché (also spelled cliche) noun

Definition

1  a trite phrase or expression; also : the idea expressed by it

2  a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation

3 something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace

  

Note: The English word cliché, although derived from the French, in no way means a photographic negative or snapshot

Examples

1. a speech filled with clichés about “finding your way” and “keeping the faith”
2. The macho cop of Hollywood movies has become a cliché. 

Origin

French, literally, printer's stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin

First Known Use: 1892

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com

The seven most overused clichés

1. At the end of the day

2. Split second

3. About face

4. Unsung heroes

5. Outpouring of support

6. Last-ditch effort

7. Concerned residents

Source: news.com.au

http://www.news.com.au/national/at-the-end-of-the-day-they-are-journalisms-worst-cliches/story-e6frfkvr-1225867487831

For an interesting article on the subject of clichés, see « Oxford Dictionaries: Try thinking outside the box!” (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/page/cliches)

For a satire of the English stereotyping of France and the French, see the videoclip “Cliché ! english version” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERD2TnMNH98