Meaning & Definition of word "Hackneyed"
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Hackneyed
/ˈhækniːd/
adjective:
- 1. Lacking in freshness or originality; trite or clichéd.
- Example: The film's plot was filled with hackneyed tropes that failed to engage the audience.
- 2. Made commonplace or stale by repeated use.
- Example: His speech was peppered with hackneyed phrases that did little to inspire the crowd.
- 3. Overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect.
- Example: The slogan became hackneyed after being repeated in every commercial.
Etymology
The term derives from the late 19th century, originally referring to a horse that is overly used for work.
Common Phrases and Expressions
hackneyed phrase:
An expression that has become clichéd due to excessive use.
hackneyed idea:
An idea that lacks originality because it has been repeated many times.
Related Words
cliché:
A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
platitude:
A remark or statement that is dull or flat due to being overused.
banality:
The condition or quality of being banal; unoriginality.
Slang Meanings of hackneyed
Meaning: Stale or boring content.
Example Sentence: That movie was so hackneyed, I could predict the ending.
Meaning: Anything that feels overly familiar and uninteresting.
Example Sentence: The song felt hackneyed with its repetitive hooks.