le cliché

The French word "cliché" has two main related meanings:

1. Photography: Originally, a "cliché" refers to a photographic plate or printed image obtained from a negative. Historically, it meant a metal plate used for printing.

2. Figurative meaning: More commonly today, "cliché" refers to an overused phrase, idea, or image that has lost originality or impact because it has been repeated so often.

Differences with synonyms:

• "Banale" (banal): Describes something unoriginal or commonplace but more general.
• "Truism" (truism): A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new.
• "Stéréotype" (stereotype): Refers specifically to a widely held but oversimplified and fixed idea or image about a group of people.
• "Ponctuel" or "spaceholder" (nothing directly synonymous).

The key point with "cliché" is that it has a negative connotation about lack of originality, especially in creative works like writing, film, or speech.