If you have ever seen a romantic film, you are all too familiar with the meaning of cliché. A cliché is any phrase, expression, or event that is devoid of originality. An interesting cliché wraps itself comfortably in irony when someone tells you that nothing is new under the sun. While it may be true that nothing is new under the sun, this phrase leaves people’s mouths so often that it too can be considered cliché. Original thoughts are difficult to come across in an interconnected world. So many ideas have become intermingled with one another and create an abundance of cliché material.

Livelihood Cliches

To many, karma is considered to be a real force that exerts itself at the opportune time. You are most likely familiar with the expression “what goes around, comes around.” Any time retribution occurs, this phrase finds its way into the fray. With frequent usage, almost any phrase becomes cliché over time. Another reason why this phrase, in particular, is cliché pertains to its vagueness. Even if it is warranted, this expression does not explain anything specifically. It is a blanket statement used for general circumstances and provides little value to conversations.

Romantic Cliches

A conversation or written piece about clichés cannot exclude romantic films. These examples occur so frequently that this example qualifies as a cliché. When you are watching a romantic movie with your significant other, there are three acts to observe. The first act involves two individuals meeting one another and forming a relationship with each other. Following this act, something dramatic occurs and the two individuals part ways seemingly forever. Towards the end of the film, these two people rekindle the love for one another and live happily ever after. Many people avoid viewing romantic films because these acts appear so commonly. However, this is not to say that all romantic movies are unoriginal.

Funny Cliches

Certain clichés work well depending on the timing. It is impossible for someone to be in a positive mood at all times and this is true for the reader as well. If you have ever woken up in a bad mood, you have likely had someone tell you that you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. You may not find this phrase funny at the time, but others who are observing this interaction may find it hilarious. Another example of a comic cliché involves the embarrassing nature of becoming tongue twisted. If this has happened to you, someone may have asked you if a cat got your tongue. This phrase can be funny for two reasons. The event of being tongue twisted always sounds funny, and the expression is very odd.

The next time you are watching a film with someone, see how many times cliché statements are said. Depending on how many movies you have seen, the amount you notice may vary. Cliches indeed appear in more genres than others. However, since there is nothing new under the sun, clichés are most likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.