 The structure of this thesaurus This thesaurus is
based on Dr Peter Mark Roget's classification
structure for his thesaurus.
To use a cliche --
there seemed little point in reinventing the wheel
by devising a new classification structure.
First appearing in
1852, Roget's
Thesaurus had
taken him more than 40 years to write. Below is a
facsimile of the first page of Roget's
manuscript.
The
first page of the manuscript of
Roget'sThesaurus
His classification
structure has six classes -- abstract relations,
space, matter, intellect, volition and affections.
Within that structure there are 990 topics.
You can browse
these topics by going to the "List
of Topics"
section. Then you can click though to all the
cliches listed under that topic.
This thesaurus is
by no means exhaustive so please contribute cliches
by going to "Add
a cliche".
It is also possible
to search for cliches by using key
words.
[top] What is a cliche? The word cliche originates from a French printing term. The cliche was a metal plate, used to print an image, rather that text. This plate could be used over and over again. And was. The development of its meaning from practical to abstract occurred in French before being seconded into the English language. Writing in the 1920s, Fowler says cliche is the French term for a hackneyed phrase. So it was probably still making the transition into English at that time. Fowler says a cliche starts out as a new phrase which is real improvement in expression. It then acquires unfortunate popularity and becomes overused. Eventually the cliche replaces plain speech when plain speech would be the better alternative. He says of the hackneyed phrase: "all would be well if the thing stopped at the mind but it issues by way of the tongue, which is bad, or of the pen, which is worse." The Macquarie Dictionary says the cliche is a "trite, stereotyped expression, idea, practice". In On Cliches: The Supercedure of Meaning by Function in Modernity, Anton C Zijderveld goes further: A cliche is a traditional form of human expression (in words, thoughts, emotions, gestures, acts) which, due to repetitive use in social life, has lost its original, often ingenious heuristic power. Although it thus fails positively to contribute meaning to social interactions and communication, it does function socially, since it manages to stimulate behaviour (cognition, emotion, volition, action), while it avoids reflection on meanings. [top] The purpose of this thesaurus Whilst his books
are great, it was frustration with their
alphabetical format that prompted the idea that a
thesaurus of cliches grouped according to meaning
would be more useful.
The first hurdle to overcome is admitting that cliches are useful writing tools. Many teachers of writing believe they are to be avoided at all costs. Zijderveld's thesis that we don't think about what they mean, suggests that cliches are a sign that the writer has not engaged the brain. This is considered a very bad thing for creative writers, for example. There are many other writers who use cliches with relish. Humourists, advertising copywriters and political-speech writers use cliches often. Sometimes they change them slightly or put them into new contexts to make us look at them in a new way unleashing their ancient power. Other times they want to use cliches to make the reader feel comfortable. Just like the writer who turns to the thesaurus for that elusive word, this thesaurus is for the writer who needs a particular cliche for a particular occasion. [top] Thanks and contacts Thanks to Ewan MacKenzie for the programming on this website and Tricia Head for the design. You can contact me by email: anne@toadshow.com.au
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