Hackneyed Phrases: Common Sense and Professionalism

Humans are a funny species. As far as we know, we are the only species that construct abstract ideas. With this abstraction, some words and ideas become very subjective. We can’t concretely picture them or hold them. We just ruminate over the impossible.

Violently Hackneyed

"But that expression of 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour's acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how violent was Mr. Bingley's love?"

-Elizabeth Bennet (Jane Austen)

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen comments through her character Elizabeth Bennet about how hackneyed the phrase “violently in love” is for her era. "Violently in love" is still used today, but maybe used less frequently. We have other phrases that have become almost meaningless from overuse around 200 years later.

What words/phrases do you consider hackneyed?

How Common Is Common Sense?

“Common sense” has been co-opted since Thomas Paine used it in the campaign during the American Revolution. Merriam-Webster defines it thus: “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.” Dictionary.com includes more of innate virtue to common sense: “sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.”

“Common” is the word that is taken advantage of most. What is really considered common? Common is “normal” or “sound” or “practical.” Truly it is in the mental dictionary of the speaker and listener. But “common” is different according to each person’s experience. Common sense is also mistaken for what the majority of the population wants. This phrase’s hollowness struck me as I read Australians’ comments and opinions about “common sense” in American newspapers and blogs in March 2019. Americans “corrected” the Australians’ misconceptions. Perhaps, common sense in Australia is not necessarily common sense in the United States.

Politicians try to pass laws using “common sense” legislation. We have to consider what is really “common” in the rhetoric. But this is also the argument of everybody is doing it, so you should too. Sometimes, we need to stand apart from the crowd when it is a matter of principle, even if it is a lonely position.

How do you define common sense? Has your definition caused problems when someone else has a different definition than yours?

Professionalism

My software engineer husband often talks about how hollow the word “professionalism” is in the business world. At his first job, multiple bosses defined “professionalism” according to whatever whim they wanted at the moment. I think of professionalism as no swearing, no sexually suggestive jokes, and business casual dress. When I substitute taught, I noticed how professionalism changed with each school despite them all being in the same school district. With one job, I discovered that their professionalism hinged on the definition of "contention" being the absence of conflict (even when conflict is inevitable to address bullying).

Merriam Webster defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.” So that just leads down the rabbit hole of asking: what is a profession? What’s a professional? And what is conduct? I googled the word professionalism for the definition; multiple articles appeared with many ideas on the whole package of how to dress, ethics, being on time, continuing education, and so forth. Essentially, the meaning and execution of professionalism change from job to job and boss to boss.

Avoiding Hackneyed Phrases

Clarity eases communication problems, which we can all use clearer communication in our lives. For this reason, we can communicate more effectively with specific and concrete phrases (unless hackneyed phrases work better). In general, readers understand writing better when it is as specific, concrete, and concise as possible.

You know what is common sense (if it exists): tipping the writer.

Thanks for reading!