Kliseellinen

Kliseellinen is a Finnish adjective meaning something that is clichéd or hackneyed. It describes an idea, phrase, character, plot device, or situation that has been used so often that it has lost its originality and impact, becoming predictable and uninspired.

The term can be applied to various forms of expression, including literature, film, music, and everyday conversation. For example, a romantic comedy might be criticized as kliseellinen if it relies heavily on predictable plot points like the "meet-cute" or the "misunderstanding that leads to a breakup." Similarly, a piece of dialogue might be considered kliseellinen if it uses overused expressions like "it is what it is" or "actions speak louder than words."

The overuse of clichés can diminish the effectiveness and artistic merit of a work. While some clichés are unavoidable and can even serve as convenient shorthand, a conscious effort to avoid them is often seen as a mark of creativity and originality. Identifying and understanding what makes something kliseellinen is a key aspect of critical analysis in many fields.