Learn English – How to say “and more!” in a more professional sense

Both “in a nutshell” and “hot topic” are phrases more informal than one expects to find anywhere in a thesis (although language may be more relaxed in places, such as the Acknowledgements section).

Consider rephrasing “in a nutshell” to briefly or in brief or in short. Rather than “hot topic” consider variations using phrases like “a subject undergoing intense study”, “receiving close review”, “of broad and current interest”, etc. Phrases like these add verbosity and weakness if overused but will raise no eyebrows.

My insipid smile is a very watery smile. You might say it's a washed out smile.

Websters/ARTFL Insipid:

Wanting in spirit, life, or animation; uninteresting; weak; vapid; flat; dull; heavy;

Collins: Watery:

4. insipid, thin, or weak

Merriam Webster Washed out:

2: depleted in vigor or animation