cutoften

Cutoften is a neologism used in discussions of editing and pruning to denote the practice of making frequent cuts or removals. It is not a formal standard, but it appears in informal guidelines and discussions about how to keep a project lean and focused across different disciplines.

In film and video editing, cutoften describes a pacing strategy that relies on rapid cuts to maintain tempo, convey action, or compress time. Editors employing this approach favor short shot lengths, abrupt transitions, and frequent cutaways. When used with clear intent, it can sharpen narrative focus and energy; however, excessive cutting can lead to disorientation or a fragmented viewing experience.

In software development and product design, cutoften refers to the discipline of pruning features, options, or code at regular intervals to reduce complexity and improve maintainability. This mindset aligns with lean methodologies and principles such as YAGNI (you aren’t going to need it), encouraging periodic assessment of what remains essential and removing what is redundant or rarely used.

In writing and copyediting, cutoften serves as shorthand for trimming prose by removing redundant or filler words and tightening sentences. Practical application includes multi-pass editing, eliminating adverbs, and paring sentences to core meaning without sacrificing clarity.

Origin and usage of the term are informal, arising mainly in online discussions, workshops, and critique sessions since the 2010s. While not a standardized term, cutoften encapsulates a general philosophy: frequent, deliberate pruning to improve clarity, focus, and speed of iteration.