stock phrase
Overused standard saying
A stock phrase is a commonly used expression that has become formulaic through repetition: Have a nice day, It is what it is, At the end of the day.
Stock phrases serve as conversational shortcuts but can feel tired or unoriginal when overused.
The term carries mild criticism—calling something a stock phrase suggests it lacks freshness.
Overused, unoriginal expression
- platitudeTrite, overused remark
- boilerplateStandardized reusable text
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- formulaFixed method or notation
conventionalized · prefabricated · fixed expression · rote · scripted · memorized · automatic · predictable
Pre-crafted argument for repetition
- soundbiteBrief broadcast excerpt
- sloganMemorable promotional phrase
- mottoGuiding behavioral phrase
- taglineMemorable branding phrase
buzzword · mantra · refrain · bromide · truism · banality · chestnut · old saw
Fixed phrase, opaque meaning
- sayingShort, wise expression
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- proverbTraditional saying expressing truth
- adageTraditional pithy truth
catchphrase · colloquialism · figure of speech · speech pattern
cliché
Overused, unoriginal expression
- platitudeTrite, overused remark
- boilerplateStandardized reusable text
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
formula · conventionalized · prefabricated · fixed expression · rote · scripted · memorized · automatic · predictable · unoriginal
talking point
Pre-crafted argument for repetition
tagline · buzzword · mantra · refrain · bromide · truism · banality · chestnut · old saw · familiar saying
idiom
Fixed phrase, opaque meaning
- sayingShort, wise expression
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- proverbTraditional saying expressing truth
adage · catchphrase · colloquialism · figure of speech · speech pattern
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, trite saying, old chestnut
- expressionsexpression, I love you, idioms, thank you, I'm sorry
- stock phrasescliche, catchphrase, platitude, saying, idiom
- signature expressionscatchphrase, slogan, motto, tagline, famous last words
- Boilerplatetemplate, fine print, legalese, standard form, form letter
- language termsgrammar, word, vocabulary, syntax, synonym
stock phraseoriginal expression
Newly invented wording
creative expression · neologism · poetic language · coinage · mot juste
stock, phrase, stocks, stocking, stocked, phrases, stockholder, stockholders, stockholding