Chip on Your Shoulder

 

Hey Chip,

One of my producers says my writing is sometimes too "cheeky." I do plead guilty to attempting an upbeat and witty style, but she only wants these for her kickers. Any thoughts or suggestions?

One of my cheeky leads:

"Former White House aide Scooter Libby got some help from the Oval Office today."

Stephen
Associate Producer


Stephen,

I wish I had better news.

First, let’s look at your producer’s complaint about your writing being too "cheeky."

Cheeky is an adjective meaning "impudent or irreverent, typically in an amusing or endearing way."

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Its origins are biblical. "Smiting on the cheek was accounted a grievous injury and insult (Job 16:10; Lam. 3:30; Micah 5:1)," according to Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary.

Its secular origins echo its religious beginnings. Its first use, estimated in 1386, had Latin origins: pudere, a present participle, meaning "to cause shame."

In politics, the opportunity to cause shame is like shooting metal ducks at a carnival.

Ready, Aim ... The Hazards of the Cliché

But your aim must be precise, and this one fails in that regard, according to my colleague Scott Libin, a veteran broadcast journalist, guardian of style, Poynter Online managing editor and the first person I sought to respond to your question. His take:

"The example provided isn't clever enough to compensate for its imprecision. In fact, saying the help came from the Oval Office is more cliché than cheek."

I applaud your effort at creativity. But don’t let cheekiness drift into cliché.

 

Clichés often represent the first layer of thought.  Dig a little deeper.  Say it in a way you haven't heard before. 

Thanks for asking.

Chip