Decoding Corporate Jargon: What Those Buzzwords Really Mean

Corporate jargon is everywhere. From meetings and emails, all the way to casual watercooler conversations, there’s no shortage of new fancy buzzwords and phrases to learn. While corporate jargon has some legitimate uses, many times it can be confusing or just plain annoying. Here are some common corporate buzzwords and phrases, what they mean and why they’re annoying, and simple alternatives you can use as an attempt to dissuade your coworkers from jumping on the corporate jargon bandwagon.

“Circle Back”

What it Really Means: To revisit a discussion or issue at a later time.

Why it’s Annoying: This phrase is often used to avoid addressing an issue, which can be frustrating to employees who need immediate answers or action. It’s a polite way to delay, but it can leave team members feeling like their concerns are being brushed off.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “Let’s circle back on this,” try, “We’ll discuss this again after we have more information.”

“Touch Base”

What it Really Means: To make contact or communicate with someone about a particular issue or topic.

Why it’s Annoying: “Touch base” is often used as a vague request for a meeting or follow-up without specifying the context or importance. It’s another example of corporate jargon that complicates simple communication.

Alternative Phrasing: Rather than saying, “Ill touch base with you later,” say, “I’ll follow up with you later today about the project.”

“Leverage”

What it Really Means: To use something, often in the context of gaining an advantage.

Why it’s Annoying: “Leverage” is often used in place of much simpler words such as “use” or “utilize.” It can make straightforward actions seem overly complex, which is sort of a motif when it comes to corporate jargon.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “Let’s leverage our resources,” say, “Let’s use out resources effectively.”

“Value-Add”

What it Really Means: Additional benefits or enhancements that a product or service provides, typically when updating a current product or service or developing a new one.

Why it’s Annoying: This term can be overused and often feels like a buzzword that doesn’t describe any specific benefits.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “What’s the value-add here?” say, “What additional benefits does this offer?”

“Ping”

What it Really Means: To send a quick message or reminder.

Why it’s Annoying: Originally a technical term, “ping” is now used in everyday communication, which can feel overly casual and technical for some people.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “I’ll ping you later,” say “I’ll message you later.”

“Think Outside the Box”

What it Really Means: To think creatively and unconventionally.

Why it’s Annoying: This phrase has become a cliché due to overuse in the workplace. Encouraging creativity is great, but using this tired expression can come across as uninspired.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “We need to think outside the box,” say, “Let’s find a creative solution to this problem.”

“Low-Hanging Fruit”

What it Really Means: Tasks or targets that are easy to achieve or address.

Why it’s Annoying: This phrase can come off as patronizing or dismissive. It suggests that the task is so simple that it requires little effort or skill, which can undervalue the work that needs to be done.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “We should focus on the low-hanging fruit first,” you could say, “Let’s start with the easier tasks to gain some quick wins.”

“Take if Offline”

What it Really Means: To discuss a particular issue privately or outside of a group setting.

Why it’s Annoying: This phrase is often used to sideline important issues that may need immediate attention, leading to feelings of exclusion or lack of transparency.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “Let’s take this offline,” say, “Let’s discuss this privately after the meeting.”

“Boil the Ocean”

What it Really Means: To undertake a seemingly impossible or overly ambitious task.

Why it’s Annoying: This phrase is often used to criticize efforts as unrealistic or too broad, which can be discouraging and dismissive of ambitious goals.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “We don’t want to boil the ocean,” say, “Let’s focus on achievable goals.”

“Blue Sky Thinking”

What it Really Means: Creative thinking that is not limited by current practices or constraints.

Why it’s Annoying: While encouraging creativity in the workplace is important, the term “blue sky thinking” provides no substance or direction. In the absence of such direction, employees may feel unsure of what is expected from them.

Alternative Phrasing: Instead of saying, “We need some blue sky thinking on this,” try, “Let’s brainstorm some innovative ideas without worrying about current limitations.”

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive and there are plenty more corporate buzzwords and phrases out there. These phrases can sometimes feel like the antithesis of clear communication, but by replacing unnecessary jargon with clearer language, you’ll make it much easier for everyone to understand and engage with the work at hand.