Pardon my cliche!

Cliches are everywhere. On TV, in movies, on the web, in our daily conversation, in the classroom...you name it and you will find it. However, writers are constantly cautioned not to use them. Diehards say don't use them EVER. Is it necessary to take such a hard line? A path never to be deviated from? What is it about these tired, overused phrases that are all around us?

Morgan St. James, LA Writing Examiner

January 6, 2012 - Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates.

Cliche: A phrase or expression that is so overused it becomes annoying.
How ironic that many clichés start out as very clever expressions—a funny way to convey a distinct message. In the beginning they sound so clever and engaging, people repeat them...and repeat them...and repeat them ad infinitum until they become corny or annoying.
As they evolve, cliches are perceived as a lazy way to convey something people already know. Perhaps effective, but devoid of imagination.
See if you recognize these:
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TWO GUEST BLOG APPEARANCES

Yesterday I was a guest on M.M. Gornell's blog. We had a great chat, and instead of going into details, I'd like to invite you to click the link and read all about what I had to say:

http://www.mmgornell.wordpress.com

Tomorrow I'l be guest blogging at the Thoughts in Progress blog. It's all about how an idea became a column, then a book, a blog and a newsletter. Check it out and post your comments.

Thoughts in Progress 

USING THE RIGHT FORM OF A WORD

Something I saw on the news yesterday was so appropriate to the "You Don't Say" presentation I will be making for Sisters in Crime Los Angeles on October 9 that I had to write this.

My presentation is all about navigating the English language--a language peppered with bloopers just waiting for you to commit them.

Even editors aren't exempt. You see using the wrong form of a word, if taken literally, totally changes the intent of the sentence or phrase and is a terrible booby trap.

What I saw yesterday was a commentary on the deplorable state of our economy. It was part of a feature I like to watch called The Rant. They always put the written comment up on the screen. This one spoke about a "waist of money."

My first thought was why didn't someone catch that, which was rapidly followed by a giggle because I pictured the implications of a waist of money. Things like "pulling in your belt" led to imagining all these politicians parading around the House and Senate with money belts cinching in their waists --- or would that be wastes?

You can really have some fun with the wrong form of the right word. Take for example using "slight of hand" instead of "sleight of hand."

"Do you need to master SLIGHT OF HAND to be a good magician?" Hmmm. Don’t know that the size of the magician’s hands has anything to do with it. Although, with bigger hands, he could probably hold more cards."

SLIGHT is an interesting word. As an adjective, it means having a slim or delicate build or structure; as a transitive verb it means to treat with disdain or indifference, and as a noun it generally would be a humiliating discourtesy.

YOU DON'T SAY!

Morgan St. James

www.morganstjames-author.com