stereotypical

/stɛrioʊˈtɪpɪkəl/

/stɛriəʊˈtɪpɪkəl/

Stereotypical describes an action or a characterization that is oversimplified, widely imitated, or handed down by tradition.

As in Aesop’s Fables, stereotypical characters behave predictably, or according to type, which, in Greek, literally means to strike in a mold or an impression. But most interesting people and stories do not easily fit into molds, and typecasts can be socially offensive. It might be stereotypical in a comedy skit to see police officers eating donuts, but when you get pulled over for missing a stop sign it’s best to keep that idea to yourself!

Definitions of stereotypical

1. adjective

   lacking spontaneity or originality or individuality
   synonyms: stereotyped, stereotypic, unimaginative

   conventional

   unimaginative and conformist