Buzzwords That Make You Laugh or Cringe

Bobby Steurer · June 2022

The other day, I was reviewing a document regarding an upcoming transition to a new HR software we'll be utilizing. There was a resource guide, including several 30-45 second videos referred to as “biteables.” It could've just been the day or mood I was in, but for whatever reason, the word “biteables” really tickled me. Like, why not just call them videos?

Are there any buzzwords that make you laugh? Any that make you cringe?

In modern corporate speak, phrases like “leverage,” “circle back,” and “deep dive” get me, only because I hear them ALL.THE.TIME.

Leverage your thoughts in the comments below and we'll engage with scalable, actionable laughter.

Marie Stark · June 2022

I think “at the end of the day” and “synergy” are overused.

Faith Murray · June 2022

Omigoodness, this is SO true! I blame the new trend for AI screening of resumes and grant applications, scoring them for the number of ideal keywords and then presenting only the top applications to live human readers. Consequently, sometimes you feel like you're reading a whole paragraph of nothing but keywords.

And so, let us collaborate on keyword effectiveness in order to maximize outcomes and philanthropic return on investment that benefits diverse stakeholder and shareholder interests.

Kylea Johnson · June 2022

I'm obligated to post this Nonprofit AF article, right? = P

Bobby Steurer · June 2022

@Kylea Johnson I'd be upset if you didn't slap that URL in the comments!

Faith Murray · June 2022

@Kylea Johnson that article is awesome! But it barely peeled the butternut on jargon phrases needing phased out. Apparently this vital topic is the mites on our eyelashes in our sector. ?

Marie Stark · June 2022

Brilliant article! Brings back bad memories of when I decided to make butternut squash soup for Thanksgiving.

Elizabeth Perron · June 2022

My laughter to this post was “unscalable” but it was “actionable” because my kiddos started laughing with me! @Bobby Steurer as always you create an engaging post!

Stacy Evans · June 2022

For some strange reason Deep Dive really annoys me. I don't mind circle back. However “biteables” is funny. It actually makes me think of food. So, I wouldn't be able to watch the video because now, I'm hungry.

Nichols Condon · June 2022

Everyone's favorite… PIVOT

Cindy Gericke · June 2022

“Best,…..” Can we just eliminate the dreaded signature sign off? I have seen a few tongue in cheek truthful ones for a laugh, but this trend just drives me CRAZY

Heather Pauli · June 2022

“Verbiage.” When did the simple word “wording” fall out of favor? I also find it amusing that “verbiage” is defined as, “Speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions…” like using “verbiage” over “wording”? ?

Bobby Steurer · June 2022

@Heather Pauli Especially when the verbiage is verbose!

JoAnn Strommen · June 2022

“Amazing, “ ”Awesome" LOL Great laugh this a.m.

Jana Fross · June 2022

I should not even post this here, but …. “High Level Overview”. For whatever reason, it just makes cringe.

Janis Worley · June 2022

I know it might not be a common one, but it always gets me when someone uses “bifurcate”. And then once someone says it in a meeting, then it seems like everyone else has to fit it into a sentence too (to show they know what it means? I always wonder!) Why can't you just say divide? It is what it is I guess….? (my second most annoying buzzword phrase!)

Elizabeth Johnson · June 2022

Oh, @Cindy Gericke - my replies in comments must drive you bonkers then.

So sorry.

If it helps I'll tell you what it means to me. I started using “Best,” shortly after starting to take Tae Kwon Do (yes, I might take the Ninja thing very seriously ?) Any time one joins the mat (enters the Dojo) you make a bow and say - “I will do my best” Upon departing the Dojo - one bows and says “I did my best” So for me, I say those things every time I enter and leave the workspace for the day and it has spilled over into my closing for my signatures. I hope that helps you cringe less at least when you see mine as I'm not likely to change.

Bobby Steurer · June 2022

@Elizabeth Johnson Side note - the more I learn about people in this Community, the cooler it becomes. Have a growing interest in taking up a martial art and never knew all those “best” facts. Seems like something all humans could benefit from by incorporating daily somehow.