If you're a fan of movies and TV shows, chances are you've heard of TV Tropes. It's a popular website that catalogs and analyzes the common storytelling devices and clichés found in media. One particular trope that has gained a lot of attention is the concept of "everything but the kitchen sink." This refers to a story that throws in every possible plot device, character, and trope imaginable, creating a chaotic and often ridiculous narrative. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 examples of this trope and how it has become a staple in modern storytelling.TV Tropes: Everything but the Kitchen Sink
The origin of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" can be traced back to the early 1900s, where it was used to refer to soldiers being equipped with every possible item for battle, including the kitchen sink. However, in terms of storytelling, TV Tropes has popularized the use of this phrase to describe the over-the-top nature of certain plots and characters. It's a way to describe a story that is so full of elements that it becomes almost comical.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - TV Tropes
Another popular website for trope analysis, All The Tropes, also recognizes the "everything but the kitchen sink" trope. They describe it as a story that throws in every trope and plot device without any rhyme or reason, resulting in a convoluted and messy narrative. This can often be seen in parody and satire works, where the creators purposefully exaggerate and pile on tropes to make fun of them.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - All The Tropes
The phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" has also become a popular idiom, used to refer to something that is excessively full or crowded. In terms of storytelling, this idiom can be applied to a story that is crammed with too many characters, plot twists, and tropes. It's a way to describe a story that is trying to do too much and ends up being overwhelming and confusing for the audience.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Idioms and Phrases
According to Wiktionary, the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" can also be used to describe something that is lacking in coherence and organization. This can definitely be applied to stories that use this trope, as they often have a mishmash of ideas and elements that don't flow together well. It's a way to describe a story that is all over the place and lacks focus.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Wiktionary
Similar to Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary also defines the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" as something that is cluttered and chaotic. This perfectly describes the type of story that uses this trope. With so many different elements and ideas thrown in, it can be hard for the audience to keep track of everything, resulting in a messy and overwhelming experience.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - The Free Dictionary
Even Urban Dictionary has a definition for "everything but the kitchen sink," describing it as an expression used to convey the idea of something being excessive or over-the-top. This can certainly be applied to stories that use this trope, as they often go above and beyond in terms of plot, characters, and tropes.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Urban Dictionary
Merriam-Webster defines the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" as including everything possible. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of this trope. These stories try to cram in as much as they can, resulting in a chaotic and cluttered mess of a narrative. It's a way to describe a story that is trying to do too much at once.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Merriam-Webster
Cambridge Dictionary also recognizes the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink," defining it as including a lot of different things. This can definitely be applied to stories that use this trope, as they often try to incorporate a variety of different elements and ideas. It's a way to describe a story that is attempting to be complex and multifaceted, but ends up being overwhelming and confusing instead.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Cambridge Dictionary
Collins Dictionary defines the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" as including almost everything. This perfectly sums up the use of this trope in storytelling. These stories try to include every possible trope, plot device, and character, resulting in a narrative that is almost bursting at the seams. It's a way to describe a story that is trying to be epic and grand, but ends up being overstuffed and messy instead.Everything but the Kitchen Sink - Collins Dictionary