Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Hackneyed"
Episode Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Merriam-Webster (Peter Sokolowski)
Introduction to "Hackneyed"
In the January 15th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski delves into the adjective "hackneyed", pronounced H-A-C-K-N-E-Y-E-D. He defines "hackneyed" as describing something that has lost its interest or appeal due to overuse, rendering it neither fresh nor original. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the term's meaning, usage, and historical context.
Usage Example
Sokolowski illustrates the term with a contemporary example from Tim Grierson's Vulture, stating:
"Any positive lesson here is lost in all the hackneyed jokes, and by the end the movie falls apart entirely."
[00:45]
This example underscores how overused elements can undermine the overall quality and originality of creative works.
Historical Perspectives on "Hackneyed" Phrases
H.W. Fowler's Insights
Referencing his 1926 work, "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage," lexicographer H.W. Fowler dedicates a section to "Hackneyed Phrases." Sokolowski highlights that Fowler advised against phrases like "too funny for words" and "my better half," which remain familiar to modern audiences. However, Fowler also criticized more obscure expressions such as the Latin "hinc ille lacrymae," which have since faded into obscurity.
"In his 1926 tome... Fowler was not the first usage writer to warn against the overuse of hackneyed, that is, trite or cliched phrases."
[01:30]
Other Literary Critiques
Sokolowski notes that Fowler was part of a broader movement among late 19th and early 20th-century authors who opposed trite and banal expressions. For instance:
- Frederick Lawrence Knowles (1890): Warned against terms like "agitate" and "tintinnabulatory."
- Margaret Aschman and Gerhard Lohmer (1917): Discouraged phrases such as "the dreamy mazes of the waltz."
These critiques reflect a consistent effort among lexicographers and writers to promote linguistic originality and discourage cliché usage.
"A number of authors in the late 19th and early 20th century had similarly taken up against trite and banal turns of phrase."
[01:15]
Persistence of Hackneyed Phrases
A key discussion point revolves around whether the opposition to hackneyed phrases has led to their obsolescence. Sokolowski argues that this is unlikely, citing examples of phrases like "blushing bride," "bated breath," and "one fell swoop," which have endured despite historical criticisms. He posits that language naturally evolves, and phrases may fall in and out of favor over time irrespective of prescriptive advice.
"Perhaps a more plausible explanation is that phrases come and go with time."
[02:05]
This perspective offers a hopeful outlook for those weary of overused expressions, suggesting that disliked phrases may eventually fade from common usage on their own merits.
Conclusion and Insights
Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reflecting on the dynamism of language and the cyclical nature of phrase popularity. The discussion emphasizes that while experts can influence language trends, the ultimate fate of words and phrases lies in their continued use and cultural relevance.
"Only time will tell, as they say, with your word of the day."
[02:15]
Additional Resources
For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit Merriam-Webster.com.
[02:22]
This episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" offers a deep dive into the word "hackneyed," exploring its meaning, usage, and the historical efforts to keep language fresh and original. By examining both contemporary examples and historical critiques, Sokolowski provides listeners with a thorough understanding of why certain phrases become overused and how language continues to evolve over time.