Unfortunately, just like any other popular thing, buzzwords start getting annoying as soon as the trend starts fading away (sometimes, even earlier than that). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll go over some of the most annoying corporate buzzwords we hope to stop hearing in business communication<\/a>. We\u2019ll also give examples of what you can use instead \u2014 but, if you\u2019re feeling creative, you can come up with something different yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Secure, real-time communication for professionals. Discuss, share & collaborate.<\/p>\n\n Agile software development, agile project management<\/a>, agile methodologies, agile processes\u2026 Agile has become the business world\u2019s favorite word. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Agile <\/em>means to be able to move quickly and easily, while agile methodology<\/em> implies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While everyone seems to use the term, not everyone truly understands what it means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no perfect synonym for this buzzword \u2014 all we can do is learn more about agile to make sure we\u2019re using the word correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt the end of the day<\/em>\u201d is everyone\u2019s (least) favorite way to indicate closure or summary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its use is not limited to evenings \u2014 people keep saying it throughout the whole day, which contributes to its high frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not a harmful phrase \u2014 we just keep hearing it again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the context, you can use \u201cin the end<\/em>\u201d, \u201cultimately<\/em>\u201d, or \u201cthe bottom line is\u2026<\/em>\u201d (still a buzzword, but significantly less annoying).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSorry, I don\u2019t have the bandwidth<\/em>\u201d is a professional-sounding way of saying you don\u2019t have the time, capacity, or willingness to take up a new task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The more you have on your plate<\/em> (another buzzword!), the more your bandwidth decreases. Bandwidth could be your energy, mental or physical, or a more concrete constraint \u2014 like your working hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It sounds polite \u2014 but it\u2019s just another way to tip-toe around saying \u201cno<\/em>\u201d instead of being assertive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid using clich\u00e9s. Being direct and saying \u201cI\u2019m not available<\/em>\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m too busy<\/em>\u201d doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re impolite \u2014 it\u2019s just accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practice assertive communication on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most commonly used phrases during meetings<\/a> or brainstorming sessions is \u201clet\u2019s circle back<\/em>!\u201d. It seems to be a go-to buzzword when someone doesn\u2019t like an idea they\u2019ve just heard, but they don\u2019t want to directly say it. \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People feel that either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rephrasing won\u2019t help that much as the annoying part is often not the expression itself, but the intentions behind it \u2014 the overused phrase is just a cherry on top. However, you can say \u201clet\u2019s discuss\/revisit this later<\/em>\u201d or \u201clet\u2019s schedule another call<\/em>\u201d instead.<\/p>\n\n\n Effectively communicate with your coworkers \u2014 try Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve ever looked for a job, tell me if this scenario sounds familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You open your laptop and go on a job search website, again.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You click a job listing that looks promising. You like the job description and the responsibilities seem reasonable. You even fit almost all the requirements! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s get to the interesting part: how much are they paying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scroll, scroll, scroll.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe offer a competitive salary.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People don\u2019t like to waste time. Many jobs have a wide salary range. No one wants to go through rounds and rounds of interviews just to find out the salary is much less than what they were expecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just list an actual salary you\u2019re offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These two buzzwords have a similar story. Concepts such as empowerment<\/em> or diversity<\/em> are undoubtedly important \u2014 but they are being used so much that they became clich\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being woke has become a trend among companies\u2014 but a big part of that activism is only performative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the idea of empowering your employees sounds noble, not a lot of employees actually feel empowered by, for example, getting additional responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They would feel more empowered if they got a higher salary, more paid time off, or better benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar goes for diversity \u2014 companies are often more dedicated to appearing<\/em> inclusive than making it one of their core values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of using those words just because everyone else does, we should make attempt to install those values in our workplaces. Res, non verba<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Strengthen your business communication and collaboration process with Pumble.<\/p>\n\n \u201cGive 110% percent<\/em>\u201d is the most decorated participant on this list, as it\u2019s voted to be the #1 most annoying phrase in 2018<\/a> and 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 2021 Forbes article<\/a>, 59% of the surveyed employees find the expression annoying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one seems to know how to pinpoint the exact reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it because the expression is cringe? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, is it because \u201cgiving 110%<\/em>\u201d often means coming to work early and leaving late, taking up additional tasks, and being overworked? <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Being expected to go above and beyond is not fun \u2014 it\u2019s actually quite stressful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially if you\u2019re not fairly compensated for your effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, the phrase has become a clich\u00e9 a long time ago \u2014 which adds to its annoyance level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The resentment is usually more towards the imposed expectations rather than the expression itself (even though hearing it everywhere doesn\u2019t help). <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you can use a more realistic alternative \u2014 such as \u201cDo your best.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don’t have to go above and beyond \u2014 Pumble already does<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Merriam-Webster dictionary<\/a>, this buzzword \u201cappeared in English in the early 1600s, with the specific meaning \u201cto form an idea or conception of\u201d in Platonic philosophy<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But today, it has been associated with startup culture \u2014 and it means to create or develop ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of people think it sounds pretentious and unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of the pretentious term, you can use its everyday counterpart. Simplicity is the best strategy \u2014 you can just say \u201ccreate\/develop\/come up with an idea.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one likes getting friendly reminders \u2014 usually because they don\u2019t really exude friendliness. It\u2019s just a professional, non-confrontational way to communicate that you\u2019re irritated at us because we\u2019re holding you back from finishing your own <\/em>task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A \u201cfriendly\u201d reminder is rarely friendly. Like some other expressions popular in email communication (such as \u201cAs per my last email<\/em>\u201d), it sounds passive-aggressive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just leave the \u201cfriendly\u201d out \u2014 it\u2019s too ingenuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLow-hanging fruit<\/em>\u201d are the tasks that are easily accomplished and demonstrate quick progress. As much as we love those tasks, we don\u2019t share the same sentiment towards the expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It first appeared in the Guardian article<\/a> written by a poet P.J. Kavanaugh in 1968 \u2014 but it became widely popular during the 90s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to alarm you, but the 90s were 30 years ago<\/em> \u2014 maybe it\u2019s the time to retire the saying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s outdated and it\u2019s overused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Opt for a phrase that\u2019s, if not fresh and new, at least less used \u2014 such as \u201cquick wins<\/em>\u201d, \u201ceasy rewards<\/em>\u201d, or \u201chigh return, low-risk items<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Strengthen your team. Try Pumble, the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n Have you ever heard your coworker say \u201cTo piggyback off of that idea<\/em>\u201d? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mostly used during meetings and brainstorming sessions, piggybacking found its way from children\u2019s playgrounds to the corporate environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn\u2019t sound professional \u2014 and we will have to live with a mental image of you piggybacking the person whose idea you further expanded on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose something that sounds more office-appropriate, such as \u201cI would like to follow up on\/add on John\u2019s idea.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everywhere you look, you\u2019ll find inspirational stories and examples of how to be more successful \u2014 from blog articles<\/a> to social media posts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You are expected to constantly raise the bar<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As we grow and become better, maybe we should outgrow this buzzword, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We should all constantly improve \u2014 but when leaders and managers keep saying to \u201craise the bar<\/em>\u201d, the bar in question is often unrealistically high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUp our standards<\/em>\u201d \u2014 it implies improvement, but doesn\u2019t require always going above and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve ever got a work email, it likely included the buzzword \u201creach out<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s often used by salespeople, but not exclusively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Presumably, the idea is to sound more personal \u2014 but we\u2019ve heard it so many times that it\u2019s not the case anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus points if you also include \u201cPing me<\/strong>\u201d (\u201csend me a quick message\/email<\/em>\u201d) or \u201cHop on a call<\/strong>\u201d (\u201cget on the phone\/video call<\/em>\u201d) \u2014 other typically hated buzzwords<\/a> related to contacting someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Using clich\u00e9s doesn\u2019t make you sound fancier, more personal, or more professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep it simple \u2014 \u201cContact<\/em>\u201d is just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n Make calls and hold meetings on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your team is having a brainstorming session. It\u2019s going well \u2014 everyone is contributing and discussing. You are inspired, coming up with ideas left and right. If you think that\u2019s irritating, you\u2019re not alone. According to a 2021 survey we\u2019ve already mentioned, 53% of the employees find the expression annoying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, people find those who use the phrase more annoying than the phrase itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReinvent the wheel\u201d<\/em> means to duplicate a method that already exists \u2014 but maybe we can avoid that phrase altogether, as it doesn\u2019t add much value to the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSynergy\u201d has a flattering title of the most hated business jargon term among US workers \u2014 according to a 2019 GetResponse survey<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the perfect buzzword \u2014 it has a cool, futuristic sound, and a vague meaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Google Trends, it has high search interest every year \u2014 which probably means a lot of people are looking for the exact definition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not sure what it means either, the answer is \u201cincreased effectiveness through collaboration<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you want to further perplex someone, tell them \u201cWe need to leverage our synergies<\/em>.\u201d According to a LinkedIn article<\/a>, the translation is \u201cto <\/em>have two highly complementary aspects of business humming along parallel to each other, as you take a series of deliberate steps to intersect those things and amplify their relationship within your organization<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like a lot of other buzzwords from our list, it became so overused in the past couple of years that people, upon hearing it, are more likely to get the urge to roll their eyes than to be impressed with your vocabulary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In most contexts, a simple \u201ccollaboration<\/em><\/a>\u201d or \u201ccooperation<\/em>\u201d works just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThink outside the box<\/em>\u201d became popular in the 70s and 80s, when management consultants challenged their clients to solve the \u201cnine dots\u201d puzzle. In the puzzle, there were nine dots grouped to look like a square, three in each row and column. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The challenge was to connect all the dots with only four lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you tried to do it within the lines of a square, you wouldn\u2019t succeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To solve the puzzle, your lines had to extend away from the box structured dots\u2026 Or, in other words, to go outside the box<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Why is this buzzword annoying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The expression is so overused that \u201cthink outside the box<\/em>\u201d is the least out-of-the-box string of words you can possibly assemble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 What to use instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe creative<\/em>\u201d, \u201cWe should try to come up with something new and different<\/em>\u201d, \u201cThink innovatively<\/em>\u201d, \u201cConsider a non-traditional alternative<\/em>\u201d, or something else along those lines. All of these phrases are more creative than \u201cthink out of the box<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be completely honest, I\u2019m guilty of using this one in some of my articles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The expression stemmed from the idea that we shouldn\u2019t dedicate our whole life to work, but rather work as efficiently as possible, so we can spend enough time on other things we care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The expression was coined by Allan Mogensen, also known as \u201cthe Father of Work Simplification\u201d, in the 1930s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost 100 years later, it\u2019s still used (and arguably, overused<\/em>) \u2014 partially as an answer to the popular hustle culture<\/a> that promotes working as hard and as long as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nAgile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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At the end of the day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bandwidth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Circle back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In some instances, the team ends up \u201ccircling back\u201d so much that they start spinning in circles, going nowhere with their meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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![\"Example](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Example-of-using-buzzwords-in-a-team-discussion-in-Pumble-business-messaging-app.jpg\")
Competitive salary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Empowerment and diversity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nGive 110% percent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just a friendly reminder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Low-hanging fruit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nPiggybacking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Raising the bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reach out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Example](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Example-of-using-business-jargon-in-Pumble-business-messaging-app.jpg\")
Reinvent the wheel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After someone excitedly shared their idea, your coworker says: \u201cWe don\u2019t need to reinvent the wheel\u201d<\/em> \u2014 killing the positive atmosphere instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSynergy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Think outside the box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Think](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Think-out-of-the-box-dijagram.png\")
Work smarter, not harder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n