You join a new job and everyone's talking about "taking things offline" and "low-hanging fruit". Here is what it means.
Direct answer
Corporate jargon is workplace language made of buzzwords, acronyms and euphemisms. Some are useful shorthand, others make simple things sound complicated. The skill is to understand it, ask when you're unsure, and say things plainly yourself.
Common phrases in plain English
| Jargon | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Circle back | Talk about this again later |
| Touch base | Have a quick chat |
| Bandwidth | Time and energy available |
| Take it offline | Discuss it outside this meeting |
| Low-hanging fruit | Easy wins |
| Move the needle | Make a real difference |
| Synergy | Working together to get a better result |
| Deep dive | A detailed look |
| Loop me in | Include me |
| On my radar | I know about it |
| Ping me | Send me a message |
| Offsite | Meeting or event away from the office |
| EOD | End of day |
| ASAP | As soon as possible |
Why it exists
- Shortcuts for shared ideas
- A way to sound professional
- Sometimes a way to soften bad news
Euphemisms to watch
"We're restructuring" can mean job cuts. "Let's align" can mean "agree with me". Ask for specifics.
How to reply
- If you don't understand, ask: "Can you say more about that?"
- Respond in plain words.
- Write clear emails. See plain language writing.
For a longer list, see business buzzwords.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Corporate Jargon: Beginner course decodes the language of offices and meetings: jargon, acronyms, euphemisms and unwritten rules, and teaches you to answer in plain, professional English. It has 80 short lessons and is free to start.
The bottom line
Understand it, ask when unsure and speak plainly.
