The term 'hardly original' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: OLD (3 letters), STALE (5 letters), IMITATIVE (9 letters), and TRITE (5 letters). This phrase is used to describe something that is not new or creative, but instead has been done before and lacks originality. OLD implies that the thing in question is outdated and no longer relevant. STALE suggests that the thing has lost its freshness and appeal. IMITATIVE means that the thing is a copy of something else, and TRITE implies that it is overused and uninteresting. All together, these words paint a picture of something that is not unique or innovative.