Irritating Office Vocab Got You Down? Here's Some Clever Jargon for You. Banish awkward office buzzwords and use these instead.

By Entrepreneur Staff Aug 20, 2014

We've all heard our fair share of groan-worthy office speak. Vague, buzzy expressions that range from everyday culprits like "We need to think outside the box," or "Let's run this up the flagpole," to the more egregious "We can solution that." Or, better still: "Can we circle back later" and "touch base" about how to "hit the ground running" on that "disruptive" and "paradigm-shifting" "pivot?" Take pity on the employee who has been on the receiving end of something like that.

But if you've caught one of these sayings coming out of your mouth, don't worry -- it happens to the best of us, and Entrepreneur is here to help.

We've come up with some creative alternatives to incorporate into your workplace vernacular, so take a look at the new vocab below, and check back here each month for a new turn of phrase. Until then, stay "above-bored" and try not to get stuck on any "zombie projects."

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Most Popular

See all

Business News

This 28-Year-Old Entrepreneur With Down Syndrome Runs the World's Largest Sock Company. Here's How He Started It.

The eight-year-old company recently hit a record number of orders.

By Sherin Shibu

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

By Ben Angel

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

By Eve Gumpel

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

By Cynthia Kay