Decoding the Cryptic and Confusing Workplace Jargon

In the tapestry of the modern corporate environment, there are common confusing office terms – jargon and acronyms, that even make seasoned employees do a double take. And there is no clear roadmap for young professionals to understand the endless labyrinth of confusing workplace jargon thrown at them. Decoding the enigmatic lexicon of hard-to-understand office jargon has left even global workers confused.

In the past, straightforward conversations and simple language reigned in the corporate sector. But now, employees find themselves navigating an impenetrable code of workplace jargon that has been the tipping point of a linguistic compass.

Decoding The Factors Of Confusing Workplace Jargon

Why is the corporate environment putting up with deciphering workplace jargon instead of eliminating the confusing phrases in the office? The factors for enduring the cringeworthy office jargon in the ever-evolving professional landscape can be attributed to the need for exclusivity and communication. 

Exclusivity

Many businesses strive to make a long-lasting mark in the industry by parading the unique aspects that they bring to the table. Workplace jargon could top the list of the factors that etch exclusivity onto their brand. Many employees feel that using jargon makes them feel smarter and more professional. 

“People typically use jargon in the workplace to project an identity of business authority. Using specialized lingo can show people around you that you’re in touch with the latest business trends.”

Efficient Communication

Acronyms save time in relaying the message to the recipient. Some professionals link the positives of using jargon in the workplace to simplifying communication. 

While some amount of workplace lingo is impervious, even the notion of ‘doing things differently’ can prompt corporates to adopt overused jargon in the workplace that can be confusing to newcomers. Several employees underscore that workplace lingo can inculcate workplace culture and make them feel like part of the team that’s in the know. 

Tips For A Inclusive Workplace: Eliminating Confusing Phrases In Office

Language that is difficult to decode for the majority of employees in a workplace, can create a divide and inequity amidst the workforce. If an employee cannot comprehend the meanings of ‘EOD’, ‘OOO’ and ‘ASAP’ or any such jargon, it is sure to backfire on them because the sender would think that the communication was efficient.

“The ones who are newer to the workplace can find it frustrating to learn a whole new set of vocabulary.”

Here are a few examples of confusing workplace jargons that are hard to decipher and how it hurts communication between colleagues. 

USA

1. Run it up the flagpole
2. Herding Cats
3. Boiling the ocean
4. Ducks in a row

UK

1. Low-hanging fruit
2. COP/ EOD
3. Blue sky thinking
4. Move the needle

India

1. Core competency
2. Take offline
3. Let’s circle back
4. Keep me in the loop

In a combined survey led by the business platform LinkedIn and linguistics expert Duolingo, more than 8000 working professionals across 8 countries were asked about confusing workplace jargon. More than half of the polled respondents wished to eliminate the overused jargon in the workplace. 

“Plenty of professionals use jargon as part of their everyday language without realizing it.”

Onsite employees had it easier than global remote workers who found office jargon hard to understand. Nearly 60 percent of the employees admitted to figuring out jargon on their own – a process that slowed down productivity and caused stress. 

While there is a ghost of a chance for the ubiquitous dialect of the workplace to be eliminated completely, there are a few aspects that can build an inclusive office, even if confusing jargon in the workplace slips once in a while.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

Many newcomers feel dull-witted to ask questions to their peers or higher-ups for something they didn’t understand, in language per se. But efficient communication and clarity are the keys to success. 

Being Mindful Of Jargon

Employees that have been using the workplace lingo for ages should be empathetic to the ones who don’t follow the conversation easily. 

Keep It Simple, Silly

Not all jargon is understood by others. Every corporate entity could be privy to its unique workplace lingo but keeping it simple can help each employee from all backgrounds feel included.