Table of Contents
The word for today is…
stereotype (verb, noun) -
verb
1: to make a stereotype from
2a: to repeat without variation : make hackneyed
b: to develop a mental stereotype about
noun
1: a plate cast from a printing surface
2: something conforming to a fixed or general pattern, especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment
Source : Merriam-Webster
Etymology : The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use. Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.
If you enjoyed this Good Oil word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.