The term cliché in French refers to a stereotype or an overused expression. It signifies an idea or phrase that has been repeated so often that it has lost its originality and impact. Originally, the word was used in the context of printing, where a ‘cliché’ was a printing plate made from a mold, allowing duplicative and effortless reproduction of images or text.
In a broader sense, cliché can pertain to various aspects of life and language, often implying that something is unoriginal or predictable. For instance, in literature, a cliché might be a common trope that appears in many stories, such as ‘love conquers all’ or ‘time heals all wounds.’ Over time, reliance on clichés in speaking, writing, or creative work can make the expression or the work itself feel stale or uninspired.