Some are words and expressions that are misused. Others are simply meaningless filler words business people use to make themselves sound smarter.
At the risk of channeling my Andy Rooney, here is some of my most despised corporate BS:
- Utilize. "Use" works just as well without sounding like you're trying so hard.
- I hear you. Usually the person saying this says it so much all I hear is him.
- Paradigm. Does anyone really know what this word means? No. Really? Can we just say "example" from now on?
- Flush out the concept. Flesh. It's flesh. Like putting flesh on bone. Not like flushing it down the toilet. That's what we do to the concept later.
- Mute point. It's a moot point, not a point made in silence.
- I'm reading your mail. I believe there are laws against this.
- Solution. Nothing is actually anything anymore. It's a solution to something. Coke isn't a drink. It's actually a thirst solution. (No, it really isn't.)
- $0. It used to be when something was free, we said it was free. In fact, FREE is one of the most effective words in marketing. But now thanks to lawyers, we have to tell consumers they'll get a phone for $0 because "free" apparently implies they're getting something for nothing. And $0 doesn't?
Here's Forbes' own list of annoying business jargon.
What's your most hated bit of corporate gobbledygook?
Comments