Meaning: The quote "Our writers are full of cliches just as old barns are full of bats. There is obviously no rule about this, except that anything that you suspect of being a cliche undoubtedly is one and had better be removed" by Wolcott Gibbs, a renowned writer and editor, succinctly captures the pervasive nature of cliches in writing and the imperative to avoid them. Cliches are overused expressions or ideas that have lost their originality and impact due to their excessive familiarity. They can be found in various forms, including phrases, idioms, metaphors, and themes. While they may seem harmless or even convenient to use, cliches can significantly diminish the quality and authenticity of writing.

Gibbs' comparison of writers to old barns filled with bats is a vivid metaphor that conveys the idea that cliches lurk within the creative minds of writers, much like bats inhabit old barns. This analogy paints a striking image of the prevalence of cliches in writing and the need to address them. By likening cliches to bats, Gibbs emphasizes the potentially negative and intrusive nature of these overused expressions, urging writers to rid their work of such tired and unoriginal elements.

Gibbs goes on to assert that there is no explicit rule about the presence of cliches in writing, but he implies that the mere suspicion of a phrase or idea being a cliche is reason enough to remove it. This highlights the subjective nature of identifying cliches and suggests that writers should exercise vigilance in detecting and eliminating them from their work. The absence of a definitive rule underscores the need for writers to rely on their judgment and critical evaluation to discern and address cliches effectively.

The quote encapsulates Gibbs' stance on the detrimental impact of cliches on writing. His admonition to remove anything suspected of being a cliche reflects his commitment to upholding the integrity and originality of language and expression in writing. By urging writers to be discerning and proactive in identifying and eliminating cliches, Gibbs advocates for the preservation of creativity and individuality in written works.

In the context of literary and journalistic writing, cliches can undermine the credibility and impact of the content. Overreliance on cliches can make the writing predictable, unoriginal, and uninspiring. It may also lead to a lack of engagement from the audience, as cliched expressions fail to evoke genuine emotion or provoke thought. Moreover, in creative writing, the use of cliches can detract from the authenticity and depth of characters, settings, and narrative arcs, diminishing the overall quality of the work.

In journalistic writing, cliches can dilute the clarity and objectivity of reporting, as they may convey a lack of original thought and critical analysis. Additionally, the use of cliches in journalism can contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and oversimplified narratives, which can be detrimental to the accurate representation of events and issues.

To avoid cliches, writers can employ several strategies. Firstly, they can strive to cultivate a rich and varied vocabulary, allowing them to express ideas and emotions in unique and compelling ways. Additionally, writers can engage in extensive reading across genres and styles to broaden their exposure to diverse language and imagery, reducing the likelihood of falling back on familiar, overused expressions. Furthermore, seeking feedback from peers, editors, or writing groups can provide valuable insights into identifying and addressing cliches in one's writing.

In conclusion, Wolcott Gibbs' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of cliches in writing and the imperative to remove them. By likening writers to old barns filled with bats, Gibbs underscores the prevalence of cliches and the need for writers to be vigilant in identifying and eliminating them. The subjective nature of identifying cliches emphasizes the importance of writers' discernment and critical evaluation in upholding the originality and authenticity of their work. Ultimately, the avoidance of cliches is essential for maintaining the quality, impact, and integrity of written expression across various forms of writing.