Witty Twitter clichés

[GoodTaste]

I don't quite understand the tweet (By Richard Dawkins, former Oxford University professor), especially the phrase "Twitter clichés that may have been witty when first devised". To me, these phrases he showed are simply parts of common conversations that naturally existed and exist, rather than purposefully devised. How to properly understand the professor's idea? What is your opinion?

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Richard Dawkins tweeted 9h ago:

Twitter clichés that may have been witty when first devised but now need to be retired:

“Last time I checked . . .”

“What part of . . . do you not understand?”

“Oh wait . . .”

Others?

=================================
Here's a user's replies which gave me a little bit help:

BlackRock Steady
@spc_nml
·
9h
Replying to
@RichardDawkins
I wouldn't call them "cliches", just phrases that have become memetic. I can explain the concept to you if you'd like
BlackRock Steady
@spc_nml
·
9h
Mr. Dawkins seems to be under the impression that culturally transmitted entities are spread under the aegis of some kind of central designer, such that would allow them to be "retired." A comforting fiction to some, perhaps, but not one borne out by evidence

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I don't quite understand the tweet (By Richard Dawkins, former Oxford University professor), especially the phrase "Twitter clichés that may have been witty when first devised". To me, these phrases he showed are simply parts of common conversations that naturally existed and exist, rather than purposefully devised. How to properly understand the professor's idea? What is your opinion?


===============
Richard Dawkins tweeted 9h ago:


Twitter clichés that may have been witty when first devised but now need to be retired:

“Last time I checked . . .”

It might be a cliche. It's certainly said a lot.

“What part of . . . do you not understand?”

It's a cliche.

“Oh wait . . .”

It's a cliche, but not as annoying as Wait, what?

Others?


=================================
Here's a user's replies which gave me a little bit help:

BlackRock Steady
@spc_nml
·
9h
Replying to
@RichardDawkins
I wouldn't call them "cliches", just phrases that have become memetic. I can explain the concept to you if you'd like
BlackRock Steady
@spc_nml
·
9h
Mr. Dawkins seems to be under the impression that culturally transmitted entities are spread under the aegis of some kind of central designer, such that would allow them to be "retired." A comforting fiction to some, perhaps, but not one borne out by evidence

I don't think they came to us via Twitter.

 

[teechar]

How to properly understand the professor's idea?

Although it can actually work as a heading, that's an improperly formed question.
Instead, say something like:
How should we understand/interpret the professor's statement?

 

[SoothingDave]

There are certainly Twitter clichés or ways of framing a comment. He's saying they get stale and worn out. Just like any other clichés.

 

[Tdol]

And here's me thinking they should carry serious jail time.