What is the Difference Between clich and stereotype?
The words clich 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, clich means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Clich 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.
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Some are wise, some are otherwise, and I have my moments.