Top definition
An overworked figure of speech, such as, inter alia, "at the end of the day," or "it is what is," or "thinking outside the box," or "leverage our resources." Crutchphrases are a common refuge of speakers who have difficulty articulating ideas or concepts without reflexively using jargon and cliché. Often relied upon by powerpoint-user speakers who simply repeat what is already printed on the Powerpoint slide.
The use of a crutchphrase is often an open admission of an unwillingness or inability to think, let alone use language effectively.
The use of a crutchphrase is often an open admission of an unwillingness or inability to think, let alone use language effectively.
"At the end of the day," the speaker droned, "we have to think out of the box if we are to successfully leverage our resources." Note the split infinitive.
"But," protested a listener, "you're not making any sense at all, you're just babbling a bunch of crutch phrases!"
"It is what it is," replied the speaker, retreating to the safe territory of a crutch phrase.
"But," protested a listener, "you're not making any sense at all, you're just babbling a bunch of crutch phrases!"
"It is what it is," replied the speaker, retreating to the safe territory of a crutch phrase.
by Paldan the Great April 27, 2013
Apr 27 Word of the Day
A horoscope so bad that it strikes fear into the heart of the reader, rendering them unable take action or make a decision on anything or to even leave the house. This is caused by a paralyzing fear that those actions or decisions may cause the predictions to come true.
After reading "There is a lot of uncertainty around financial transactions and investments right now, and the wrong decision could result in dire consequences" in his daily Horrorscope, Edward climbed back into bed, pulled the sheets over his head and remained there for the rest of the day.
Edward only had enough gas in his car to get to the gas station but was not sure if he had enough money in his account to pay for gas. His cell phone service had been cut off because his payments were in arrears, and since the only way he could be sure he had enough money (to pay for gas) would be to call the bank, he felt it best to hide in bed and hope his horoscope for tomorrow was more positive.
Edward only had enough gas in his car to get to the gas station but was not sure if he had enough money in his account to pay for gas. His cell phone service had been cut off because his payments were in arrears, and since the only way he could be sure he had enough money (to pay for gas) would be to call the bank, he felt it best to hide in bed and hope his horoscope for tomorrow was more positive.
by Edward Albee Deavers April 28, 2011