Why Certain Business Jargon Drives Us Mad

Have you ever found yourself grimacing at certain phrases during a meeting or during a conversation? Many of us have our own pet peeves when it comes to business jargon, but some are so common that they stand out like sore fingers. In this article, we will explore some of the most grating instances of business jargon that make you wonder if it's time to find another way to express the same idea.p>

The Technical Term for Nothing

When business jargon goes haywire, it can be particularly frustrating. For example, have you ever heard someone say, “that’s not in our wheelhouse”?

"That’s not in our wheelhouse."

This catchphrase can mean that something is outside of the company's expertise or core business activities. While it's catchy, it's redundant and adds nothing to the conversation. It's as if the speaker is trying to say, "That’s outside our usual operations," but in a pretentious way.

Paradigms and Narratives

Another example of misplaced jargon is the overuse of terms like "the current paradigm" and "narrative." These phrases are often used to make the speaker sound more sophisticated, but they can also make the listener feel as if they're in a never-ending loop of popularity contests:

"This is the current paradigm."

"Someone else is telling me how I am supposed to see things. If I don’t then I’m not up with the play."

These phrases are typically used to justify decisions or viewpoints, but they can also make the conversation feel like a game of one-upmanship. Instead of focusing on the facts or practical implications, the conversation becomes about who sounds more learned or implies that others are behind the curve.

Words as Variances

There are also certain words or phrases that have become so outdated or clichéd that they drive us insane. One such phrase is “going forward.” This phrase was all the rage in the 1990s but has since become a cliché. Its common usage can make us want to shake our heads in disbelief:

"Going forward..."

It's as if we are waiting for the speaker to wrap their mouth around the words "from now on" or "in the future" before saying them. Its overuse makes it seem as though the speaker is trying to sound more professional or important but ends up sounding pretentious.

Office Speak and Casual Conversations

Switching from formal business jargon to informal office speak can also be annoying. For example, hearing colleagues talk about "cant wait for the weekend" or discuss grabbing a beer after work can be grating. This casual language seems out of place in a professional setting and can create a sense of unease:

Heard phrases like “it’s easy peasy” or “it’s as easy as pie” and wonder if there was a better way to say it? This phrase is so cliché that it’s hard to take it seriously. Adding “Lemme just get this one out there in case it inspires someone to take the cure and find another way to say ‘easy’” just sounds like a journal entry from a frustrated office worker.

Then there are phrases like “I’m calling in a business and people are at ‘Lunch’ or in a ‘meeting’,” which can be particularly vexing. Instead of being available or ready to talk, the speaker is passing off the reason as a nonsensical activity. This phrase adds unnecessary frustration and confusion to the communication process.

Technical Jargon Misused

Technical jargon is another area where misuse can drive us mad. The term “chips” or “The integration of circuits or semiconductors (microchips)” is a prime example of this. These phrases are so overused and misused that they become meaningless in a non-technical setting. It's as if the speaker is trying to sound more knowledgeable but ends up sounding like a confused student.

"Using ‘chips’ or ‘microchips’ to mean integrated circuits or semiconductors."

This phrase can make the listener feel like the speaker is trying to hide their lack of knowledge behind technical jargon. It's like saying “Cali” for California or “Frisco” for San Francisco; it instantly identifies the speaker as someone who is out of touch and possibly uneducated.

Conclusion

Business jargon can be a double-edged sword. While it can help professionals communicate effectively, it can also become a source of frustration and annoyance. Recognizing and avoiding these common pitfalls can make for more productive and enjoyable conversations. So the next time you find yourself grimacing at certain phrases, perhaps you can stifle the urge to roll your eyes and instead seek out more precise and clear language.

Key Takeaways: Replace jargon with clear, straightforward language, avoid overused and clichéd phrases, and be mindful of office speak that sounds out of place in a professional setting.