Friday, August 17, 2012

Business Language Gets Dumb and Dumber


Dumb and silly business phrases
Silly Business Buzz Words

Seth Godin called them tribes. Most of us are members of official and unofficial clubs. The people within the club share common interests or common characteristics.

Have you noticed that every club creates its own code words? Perhaps the “secret” code words help strengthen the appearance of a common bond. Sometimes the code is an acronym. Often it’s an overused cliché.

The unofficial club or tribe of business has more than its share of silly phrases and terms. Business seems to borrow many phrases from warfare and sports.

  • Hit a home run
  • The whole nine yards
  • Dive right in
  • Make a big splash
  • Raise the bar


Recently I’ve heard the phrase “let’s circle back on that”. It sounds silly. I think they meant, “let’s discuss this later”.

"Impactful" is just dumb. It makes me think of a meter crater. "Think outside the box" is overdone and an example of not being creative. "Driving the bus" drives me crazy. 

Often those silly buzz words are repeated by staff as they mimic the boss.

And it looks like business schools are indoctrinating business graduates with those annoying terms during their education. And to think that it’s called higher learning.

Check this post to check your own language before your next meeting, presentation, interview or phone call.

The Silliest Buzzwords You’ll Encounter in B-School


After reading the list start noting the dumb phrases you hear or use. I dare you.

By the way, it's probably a good idea not to point out to the boss how silly he or she sounds.


The Silliest Buzzwords You’ll Encounter in B-School





George Torok Host of Business in Motion Business Speaker
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