I recently stumbled across Curry’s recent Black Friday Marketing for Millennials video on TikTok. I only just about understood it because I have three Gen Zs in the house (and according to them, understanding the video is ‘a win,’ apparently).
I personally think the video is hilarious—on point yet delightfully deadpan—but judging by the horrified comments lamenting, “What on earth are they talking about?” others didn’t.
In the video, Gen Zs use their unique slang, ‘YOLO,’ ‘epic,’ ‘sorry-not-sorry,’ distinguishing themselves from us oldies. It doesn’t matter that we might not get it, specifically; I don’t suppose they would understand ‘groovy,’ ‘swell,’ or (gasp) ‘beatnik,’ either.
To me, it simply demonstrates how fascinating the spoken word is, that it evolves across generations, with each generation bringing its distinctive contributions to how we communicate. (If you can, check out Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch in which she explores how the internet has influenced our language online and why).
Yet, the funny thing is, even though we know language is constantly evolving, as a copyeditor and developmental editor, I often see outdated expressions lurking in manuscripts like relics of a past era.
Why Do Outdated Expressions or Clichés Crop Up in Our Writing?
Context is everything, so there is a place for industry-specific buzzwords like, for example, ‘UX Design,’ ‘CTA,’ and ‘Blue-Sky Thinking.’ I’ve also noticed popular terms in the startup culture, like ‘disruptive,’ ‘pivot,’ and ‘growth hacking.’
There’s a constant cycle of new jargon emerging and then becoming mainstream. Using these expressions appropriately is a great way to demonstrate that you’re in the know and part of a particular business culture.
The danger, though, is in continuing to use them long after they’ve become tired. The irony is by the time they have become widely adopted in business contexts, they have usually lost their original impact and freshness. It’s like using a viral meme months after it peaked. What was once fresh and clever now feels stale and trying too hard. Business buzzwords follow the same trajectory from novel to tired.
So, why do clichés crop up in our writing?
Perhaps they serve as a sort of cognitive shortcut. When we’re writing, it’s easier to reach for a pre-packaged phrase we know others will understand than craft something original. Or perhaps people fear missing out on what they perceive as cutting-edge professional speech.
There is also the social comfort factor. Using familiar expressions can feel less risky than using a novel phrase. When someone writes “think outside the box,” they know it’s a phrase that has been socially validated through widespread use.
We might not even register certain expressions as clichés. If you grew up hearing your parents say, “the writing’s on the wall” or “bite the bullet,” these phrases feel natural rather than worn-out.
The fact is many have simply had their day.
So, in the spirit of linguistic evolution, here’s a mini ‘war on words’ to identify which phrases should retire and which can stay – purely for the sake of modern clarity, of course.
War on Words – Let’s Ditch the Deadwood
Flowery Language
Flowery language may sound charming in the proper context, but simpler alternatives often work better in modern business or academic writing. Here are some examples:
1. “In this day and age”
This sounds as if it belongs in a Dickens novel.
Replace it with “Today” or “Now.”
2. “Needless to say” or “It goes without saying”
If it’s “needless to say,” why say it? Skip it entirely and start directly with the point.
3. “Be that as it may”
Another one that sounds like a phrase from a period drama.
Consider replacing it with “Even so” or “Regardless.”
4. “By the same token”
Many of us are familiar with this expression and might even use it in everyday speech. It dates back to when a token was used as proof or evidence of something. However, your writing must appeal to an international audience who might not be familiar with the expression and might find it confusing.
Consider replacing it with “Similarly” or “Likewise.”
5. “Few and far between”
It’s descriptive but is more flowery than necessary in modern writing.
Consider “Rare” or “Infrequent.”
6. “For (or to) all intents and purposes”
It’s wordy and often misinterpreted.
Consider “Essentially.”
Fillers and Word Whiskers
Fillers and word whiskers are words or expressions (crutches) that we commonly use to fill gaps between thoughts or sentences.
We’ve probably used some of them in everyday speech, but much like training wheels on a bicycle that no longer needs them, crutches slow down our writing instead of helping it. Here are some common examples. Do you recognise any of them?
7. “Basically”/“At the end of the day”
These expressions are barely acceptable in speech, so please don’t. (And before you ask, yes, I have seen them in business writing).
Both are used to soften the point but make writing sound less direct or precise. Skip them entirely and get to the point.
8. “Just”
“Just” adds unnecessary softness and weakens the point.
Remove it. It won’t change the meaning but will strengthen the statement.
9. “Very”
“Very” is often used to amplify something, but using a more specific adjective will strengthen your writing. Example: Instead of “very talented,” try “exceptionally talented” or “highly skilled.”
10. “Actually”
“Actually” is often used to emphasise a point but doesn’t add anything meaningful to the sentence. Example: “It doesn’t actually add anything meaningful to the sentence.” Do we need the word “actually” here?
Actually, you can safely remove it. (See what I did there?)
11. “Things”
There is a place for “things,” but when used too often, it comes across as vague and non-specific. Replace “things” with a concrete noun. Instead of, “There are many things to discuss,” consider “There are many topics to discuss.”
12. “That” (when overused)
“That” can often be removed without changing the meaning of a sentence. Compare: “She said that we should leave now,” vs. “She said we should leave now.” The second sentence is lighter and speeds up the pace.
13. “In terms of”
This is an example of adding length without adding meaning. Compare these two examples: “In terms of a strategy, this should be effective,” vs. “This should be effective.”
It can often be removed without altering the sentence.
14. “A lot”
“A lot” is vague. Example: “There are a lot of issues with the plan.”
Be more specific: “There are numerous issues” or “There are several problems.”
15. “It is important to note that”
This is another case of a long-winded filler that adds nothing to the sentence.
Example: “It is important to note that leaders will engage stakeholders.”
You can usually omit the phrase altogether. “Leaders will engage stakeholders” will do nicely.
16. “I believe” or “I think”
You are writing, so the reader already understands this is your opinion. Unless there’s a reason to emphasise your belief, simply get to the point.
17. “In order to”
This is a case of using three words when one will do.
“To” will suffice. It’s simpler and clearer.
18. “At this point in time”
This phrase is another case of filling a sentence with more words than necessary.
Consider replacing this with “Currently” or “Now.”
19. “Take ownership”
“Take ownership” is so commonly used it feels impersonal.
Consider “Be responsible for” or “Take responsibility.”
Clichés
Much like our favourite yet well-worn, overstretched jumper that we turn to whenever we’re in need of comfort, clichés are expressions that we have become familiar with and turn to whenever we think they will come in handy. With overuse, however, they have long since lost their fresh appeal.
20. “Think outside the box”
Ironically, this phrase about thinking creatively has become a box of its own. Overuse has dulled its originality, and it sounds more like corporate jargon than inspiration. Consider: “Let’s take a fresh approach” or “Let’s be creative.”
21. “Bite the Bullet”
This phrase comes from an old military practice where soldiers literally bit bullets during medical procedures to withstand the pain. A bit dramatic for today, don’t you think? Consider: “Let’s get it done” or “Let’s face it.”
22. “Jump on the Bandwagon”
Not many of us use wagons these days, so it’s easy for this phrase to seem out of touch with our modern world. Consider: “Follow the trend” or “Join the trend.”
23. “Pushing the Envelope”
This is an aviation phrase that originally referred to testing limits. Today, the phrase falls flat and doesn’t communicate much unless your audience is in aviation. Consider: “Breaking boundaries” or “Testing the limits.”
24. “Cutting Edge”
This was once the ultimate way to describe innovation but is now comes across as corporate fluff. Consider: “Innovative,” “groundbreaking,” or “leading.”
25. “Low-Hanging Fruit”
This is an outdated agricultural metaphor for easy wins.
Consider: “Quick wins” or “easy wins.” They convey the same idea without conjuring images of literal fruit picking.
26. “Hit the Nail on the Head”
This phrase originates from basic carpentry, where accurately striking a nail is essential for proper construction, so it’s easy to see why it’s used to convey accuracy or precision. Consider, for a change, “Exactly right” or “Spot on.”
27. “Nip It in the Bud”
This was originally a gardening term but is commonly misinterpreted.
Consider: “Address it early” or “Stop it before it starts.”
28. “Pull Out All the Stops”
It originally referred to organ music – if all the organ knobs or stops were pulled out, the organ music played louder – but few people are familiar with organ music or what this expression means today. Consider: “Go all out” or “Give it everything.”
29. “Synergy”
“Synergy” has become tired and stale. Consider: “Collaboration” or “Work together.”
30. “Leverage” (as a Verb)
“Leverage” can have a negative connotation as if you want to influence a situation by force or control what happens. Consider: Use,” “Utilise,” or “Apply.”
31. “Move the Needle”
We live in a digital world. So, I wonder how many people among our younger audiences understand the concept of an analogue measuring device with a needle (and dial) that measures change? Perhaps some. But I suspect the meaning has become ambiguous. Consider more modern and much clearer expressions, like “Make progress” or “Achieve results.”
32. “Best Practice”
“Best Practice” seems vague and nondescript. Consider: “Effective methods” or “Proven approaches.”
33. “Due Diligence”
“Due diligence” is typical corporate speak that sounds overly formal and old-fashioned. Consider: “Research” or “Careful review.”
34. “Let’s Drill Down”
Clunky, jargony and informal.
Consider: “Analyse in detail” or “Examine closely.”
35. “Game-Changer”
“Game-changer” is so overused it has lost its impact.
Consider: “Transformative” or “Significant improvement.”
36. “In the Pipeline”
“In the pipeline” seems vague (perhaps deliberately so).
Consider “In progress” or “Upcoming.”
37. “Touch Base”
“Touch base” comes across as too informal.
Consider “Check in” or “Discuss.”
38. “Going Forward”
Going forward to what or where? This expression sounds vague. It can often be left out entirely or replaced with “In the future.”
39. “Circle Back”
Another example of an expression that sounds vague.
Consider “Follow up” or “Discuss further.”
40. Take It to the Next Level”
A clunky expression that sounds generic.
Consider “Improve further” or “Elevate.”
Time for a Language Refresh
Outdated or overused expressions are like stale bread, once fresh and appealing but now dry and hard to swallow. A touch of fresh language, however, will elevate your writing to delight your reader, who will relish every word.
This war on words isn’t about grammar snobbery; it’s about making sure our language continues to evolve and communicate effectively. And as any good editor knows, clarity is always in style.
If you’re worried that tired phrases are weighing down your message, why not contact me for a free copyediting consultation? Together, we can keep your writing fresh and impactful.