Definition
陈词滥调 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'old words and overflowing tunes'. It refers to boring, overused expressions or arguments that lack originality — 'clichés' in the pejorative sense. You can use it to criticize writing, speeches, or political slogans that are formulaic and uninspired. The phrase itself is a fixed expression (f.e.), so you do not modify or split it.
f.e.
clichéplatitudehackneyed expression
Examples
- 陈词滥调，。Zhè piān yǎnjiǎng gǎo quán shì chén cí làn diào, méiyǒu yí jù xīnyì.This speech draft is full of clichés — not a single original line.
- 陈词滥调，。Tā de wénzhāng zǒng shì shǐyòng chén cí làn diào, dú qilai hěn méi yìsi.His articles always use clichés, making them boring to read.
- 陈词滥调。Méitǐ pínglùn lǐ chōngmǎn le zhèngzhìjiā de chén cí làn diào.The media commentary is filled with politicians' clichés.
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