I looked up the word “cliché” to figure out where the word comes from, and whether it means what I think I am writing about: First, the origin: French, literally, printer's stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin. First Known Use: 1892

And now, the definition: Acliché (from French, klɪ'ʃe) is a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty, especially when at some time it was considered distinctively forceful or novel. The term is generally used in a negative context.