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Meaning & use

hackneyed phrases

noun·Advanceddisapproving

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UK/ˈhækniːd ˌfreɪzɪz/
US/ˈhækniːd ˌfreɪzɪz/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. nounpluraldisapproving

    Expressions that have been used so often that they sound stale, unoriginal, and weak.

    Grammar: Always plural in this phrase; the singular idea is 'a hackneyed phrase.'

    Patterns

    • use hackneyed phrases
    • avoid hackneyed phrases
    • full of hackneyed phrases

    The editor crossed out several hackneyed phrases, such as 'at the end of the day.'

    His speech was full of hackneyed phrases that everyone had heard a hundred times.

    Good writing teachers warn students against hackneyed phrases and encourage fresh images.

  2. nounpluraldisapproving

    A set of clichéd expressions typical of a particular kind of writing or speech.

    Grammar: Often followed by 'of' plus a type of language: the hackneyed phrases of sports reporting.

    Patterns

    • the hackneyed phrases of something

    She studied the hackneyed phrases of advertising to see how they shape desire.

    The novel avoids the hackneyed phrases of romance fiction.

Common combinations

a string of hackneyed phrases
The essay was little more than a string of hackneyed phrases.
avoid hackneyed phrases
Experienced writers learn to avoid hackneyed phrases.
full of hackneyed phrases
The report was full of hackneyed phrases and empty promises.
tired and hackneyed phrases
Critics called the dialogue tired and hackneyed phrases strung together.

Synonyms and how they differ

clichés
The most common near-synonym; 'clichés' is broader and can refer to ideas or images, while 'hackneyed phrases' refers specifically to wording.
platitudes
Platitudes are dull, moralizing statements; hackneyed phrases are simply overused expressions, not necessarily about morals.
bromides
Bromides are soothing but empty remarks; hackneyed phrases may be neutral in tone and are judged mainly by their overuse.

Opposites

fresh expressionsoriginal wording

Word family

hackneyed adjective
Overused and therefore no longer effective or interesting.
hackney verb
To make something common or stale through overuse; now rare.

Commonly confused: hackneyed phrases or hackneyed? hackneyed phrases or hackney?

hackneyed phrases vs hackneyed

The adjective describes a single thing that is overused; 'hackneyed phrases' is the plural noun phrase naming the expressions themselves.

hackneyed phrases vs hackney

A hackney is a horse or carriage for hire, or a taxi; it is unrelated in modern use to 'hackneyed.'

Practice

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