From wiki sources :
A cliche is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, even to the point of being trite or irritating, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel.
Consider (for example) a sentence framed by Shakespeare
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"
which became very popular. Now-a-days, it may be overused or irritating and hence may be considered a cliche, but Shakespeare himself did not use it as a cliche.
What did he use it as ? What did he invent ? What is the term for the origin of a cliche ?
Best Answer
Archetype:
Prototype:
Original!