How overused buzzwords are alienating your colleagues and fueling mockery
Workplace jargon—those overused buzzwords that make us sound busy and professional—might be doing more harm than good. Phrases like “circle back,” “bandwidth,” and “low-hanging fruit” have become so common that they’re not just annoying, they’re alienating your colleagues.
In fact, these phrases are often the punchline on subreddits like LinkedIn Lunatics, where professionals poke fun at how out of touch they can sound.
Julian Goldie, SEO expert and founder of Goldie Agency, has spent years helping businesses communicate effectively through clear, direct language.
Why Jargon is a Problem
Believe it or not, Forbes published an article all the way back in 2012 about the most annoying, pretentious, and useless business jargon. Yet here we are in 2024, dealing with the same issues.
The article identified terms like “synergy” and “move the needle” as jargon offenders over a decade ago, but the reality is, the problem never really goes away. The buzzwords change year by year, but the effect is the same—overused jargon that makes communication frustrating.
The Worst Offenders: Buzzwords We Need to Retire
Certain buzzwords have become so overused that they’re practically meaningless. Here are some of the worst offenders that leave your colleagues rolling their eyes:
- “Drill down” – Just say “look deeper” or “analyse.”
- “Run it up the flagpole” – Simply say “get approval” or “check with the boss.”
- “Paradigm shift” – How about “big change” or “new approach”?
- “Synergize” – A simple “work together” or “collaborate” does the job.
- “In the weeds” – Replace with “too detailed” or “getting off track.”
- “Circle the wagons” – Instead, say “come together” or “protect our interests.”
Ditching the Jargon
Julian Goldie knows a thing or two about clear communication. “Jargon tends to exclude people rather than bring them together,” says Goldie. “When you replace buzzwords with direct, simple language, you make it easier for everyone to understand what’s needed. That leads to better collaboration and fewer misunderstandings.”
Goldie offers three simple tips to say goodbye to jargon in the workplace:
- Keep It Real: Instead of “circle back,” just say “let’s discuss this later.” Straightforward and to the point.
- Use Common Sense Language: Replace phrases like “low-hanging fruit” with “easy tasks” or “quick wins” that everyone gets.
- Be Direct: Avoid vague phrases like “take this offline.” If you mean “let’s chat about this after the meeting,” say exactly that.
Why Clear Communication is Better
Aside from not alienating your team, dropping the jargon means clearer, more effective communication. Instead of colleagues rolling their eyes or feeling disconnected, everyone can get on the same page faster.
Plus, without the fluff, people can focus on what actually matters: getting the job done. Clear language also boosts productivity because no one’s left trying to decode what “moving the needle” really means.
Workplace jargon isn’t a passing trend—it’s a persistent, frustrating part of working in a corporate role that continues to alienate colleagues and cloud communication, despite efforts to address it.
While Forbes identified the problem back in 2012, the cycle continues, with new buzzwords taking centre stage each year. The key to breaking this cycle is moving away from jargon and embracing straightforward, clear language.
As Julian Goldie points out, “Clear communication is the foundation of productive teamwork and mutual understanding, and that’s where true success lies.”
