klisza

Klisza is a Polish term with several distinct meanings that vary by context. In everyday language it is also used figuratively to refer to a cliché or stock motif.

In textile and weaving terminology, klisza denotes a component of the loom associated with the handling of the weaving process. It refers to a device or part that assists in moving or guiding threads during weaving, though the exact role can differ among traditional looms and regional terminology.

In photography and cinematography, klisza historically referred to a film stock or plate. A klisza could be a strip containing a series of frames, or, more generally, a single piece of film or photographic material used to capture images. The term is common in older or more traditional contexts, contrasted with modern digital media.

In literature, film studies and everyday speech, klisza is widely used to mean a cliché or overused motif. A klisza is a predictable plot device or character type that recurs across works, sometimes criticized for lack of originality. The word appears in phrases such as “klisza fabularna” or “klisza narracyjna.”

Etymology is linked to historical uses of physical plates, strips of film, or loom components, with the common shared sense of a fixed, repeatable unit. Modern usage often preserves the figurative sense while the technical senses are more specialized and found in specific fields like textiles or media history. See also: clichéd motifs, film stock, weaving terminology.