hackneyed
/ˈhækniːd/
Describes something that has lost its impact, power, or freshness because it has been used too many times. It carries a strong tone of boredom and critical disapproval.
Unlike 'common', which is neutral, 'hackneyed' is always negative. It suggests that the speaker finds the expression or idea lazy and devoid of genuine creativity.
Typically applied to creative works—such as movie plots, song lyrics, political speeches, or romantic gestures—where originality is expected but missing.
💬Casual Conversation
Just pitched the 'synergistic pivot' idea to my boss. He loved it.
Just pitched the 'synergistic pivot' idea to my boss. He loved it.
That phrase is so hackneyed, Dave. Give it a rest.
That phrase is so hackneyed, Dave. Give it a rest.
Meanings
Examples
His writing is technically proficient but relies on hackneyed metaphors.
Etymology
Derived from the town of Hackney in London, which was known for breeding horses for hire. By the 16th century, a hackney horse was a common, ordinary horse used for hire rather than a specialized breed. By the 19th century, the term transitioned from a literal description of a common horse to a figurative description of language or ideas that had become commonplace and exhausted through repetitive use.