Jargon is what it is: Annoying and overused
"Viral" and "leverage" are among the most overused cliches and buzzwords of industry jargon, according to a survey released Aug. 27 by Accountemps. The California-based staffing services firm surveyed 150 senior executives from the nation's 1,000 largest companies by telephone, asking "What is the most annoying or overused phrase or buzzword in the workplace today?" Responses included:
- Leverage: As in, "We intend to leverage our investment in IT infrastructure across multiple business units to drive profits."
- Reach out: As in, "Remember to reach out to customers impacted by the change."
- It is what it is: As in, "The server is down today, and clients are irate. It is what it is."
- Viral: As in, "Our video has gone viral."
- Game changer: As in, "Transitioning from products to solutions was a game changer for our company."
- Disconnect: As in, "There is a disconnect between what the consumer wants and what the product provides."
- Value-add: As in, "We have to evaluate the value-add of this activity before we spend more on it."
- Circle back: As in, "I'm heading out of the office now, but I will circle back with you later."
- Socialize: As in, "We need to socialize this concept with our key stakeholders."
- Interface: As in, "My job requires me to interface with all levels of the organization."
- Cutting edge: As in, "Our cutting-edge technology gives us a competitive advantage."
Accountemps conducted a similar survey in 2004. The following "Hall-of-Fame" buzzwords were cited in both surveys:
At the end of the day
- Synergy
- Solution
- Think outside the box
- On the same page
- Customer-centric
Some phrases cited in the most recent survey suggest executives are suffering from recession fatigue, including:
Recession
- Depression
- Economy
- Do more with less
- Restructuring
- Downsizing
- Gloom and doom
- Bailout
- Overworked
