by Sarah Todd

Created on: June 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 05, 2009

It's an overused word or phrase. It's way past its sell-by date. And there are plenty of them - in fact, there are websites dedicated to their history, definition and application. Some say their use indicates a writer has little imagination, while others believe they provide an instant bond between a writer and his readers.

I'm talking about the humble, sometimes admired and often despised cliche.

Originally a French printing term, the cliche started life a hundred or so years ago in a completely different format. It was a block of semi-permanent printing that could easily be inserted into a document being readied for a printing press. It's a noble origin that has, over time, come to mean something completely different. Today we know a cliche as a term that has lost its original meaning and impact thanks to overuse. Perhaps the cliche was once a novel, humorous and unique statement, eliciting laughs and acknowledgement of its wit from an audience. Today the tired old cliche is more likely to cause listeners to sigh and roll their eyes in boredom than consider the user an intellectual, humorous person.

Cliches have been around for centuries, and they're not about to go away. Whether we like them or not there is a place for them in the world of writing. Cliches can work very well in the comedy genre, especially when a twist is applied in a genial, unexpected sense. Take the rather hackneyed phrase: when in doubt, consult your inner child. This is a wonderful cliche because of the possibilities it offers the writer. It can be twisted to fit almost any situation. Here are three examples:

Another cliche could be applied to provide an alternate ending: when in doubt... don't! It's better to stay silent and remain a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt!

A familiar catch line could be applied, particularly one synonymous with a service or a product, such as the Yellow Pages: when in doubt... let your fingers do the walking.

Proverbs have somehow avoided becoming cliches, because over time they've acquired a wise, solid reputation for being words of advice with their basis in common sense and logic. This makes them the perfect companion for cliches: when in doubt... remember, every dog has his day.

Cliches can also be used to create a bond between writer and reader. This works well in modern culture, a good example being the avid "Star Trek" fans known as "Trekkies". Phrases like: "Beam me up, Scotty" and "to boldly go where no man has gone before" are synonymous

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