shopworn
UK: ˈʃɒp.wɔːn | US: ˈʃɑːp.wɔːrn
adj. (of goods) showing signs of wear or damage from being displayed or handled in a store.
adj. (figuratively) overused; lacking freshness or originality.
The word "shopworn" combines "shop," referring to a retail space, and "worn," the past participle of "wear," meaning to deteriorate through use. It originated in the early 19th century to describe merchandise that appeared aged or damaged from prolonged display or handling in stores. Over time, it gained a figurative sense, critiquing ideas or phrases that feel stale from overuse. The logic mirrors physical wear—just as objects degrade in shops, overused concepts lose their impact.
The shopworn dress had faded from months on the display rack.
His speech was full of shopworn clichés that failed to inspire the audience.
Collectors avoid shopworn books, preferring pristine editions.
The antique dealer discounted the shopworn furniture.
Her arguments felt shopworn, repeating decades-old debates.