Noticias de la Cámara
Jargon and buzzwords – what are they? | Boost Academy
13/10/2022
Here at Boost Academy in today’s Business English class we are talking about ‘jargon’ and ‘buzzwords’ because we hear them so often when we are doing business. So what exactly do these two words mean?
Jargon can be described as ‘special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand’. A buzzword is a word or phrase, (an item of jargon), that is on trend at a particular moment in time, or in a specific context.
Buzzwords and jargon have become more and more common, mainly because ‘management speak’ has become part of our general vocabulary, as increasing numbers of employees take management training.
Financiers, consultants and those working in marketing have all added to the use of jargon, and as a result it has become more widely absorbed into everyday business transactions. A lot of people now feel that jargon and buzzwords are elitist and unhelpful, and form ways of avoiding speaking directly and/or clearly.
Let’s look at some typical examples, their meanings, and how they are used in context.
1. To drill down
Definition: To examine or study something in detail.
Example: “OK, how can we I drill down and get more information on each payee on this spreadsheet?”
2. To go the extra mile
Definition: to work harder than most people would, to get a job done.
Example: She always goes the extra mile for her friends – whenever they need help, she is there for them.
3. To give people a heads up
Definition: to warn of a future development people need to be aware of.
Example: “Hey everyone! Just a heads up: the boss is in bad mood today!”
4. To keep someone in the loop
Definition: to continually inform someone of all the developments.
Example: “We’ve hired a new intern to help you so be sure to keep her in the loop about the project.”
5. To bring something to the table
Definition: to contribute something of value to a project or discussion.
Example: He brings years of leadership experience to the table.
6. To hit the ground running
Definition: to start working on something enthusiastically and successfully.
Example: “I’m confident our new CEO will hit the ground running once she starts work here.”
7. To think outside of the box
Definition: to have original and radical ideas about something.
Example: “Ok team, we really need to think outside of the box if we’re going to impress the boss.”
8. To touch base
Definition: to make contact with someone briefly to check things are OK.
Example: “I was just calling to touch base as it’s been a few weeks since we last spoke.”
9. To bring someone up to speed
Definition: to inform or discuss the latest developments on a project or piece of work.
Example: “Tom, will you please bring the rest of the team up to speed on the status of the project?”
10. To be on someone’s radar
Definition: to be aware of something that will need attention in future.
Example: “Five years ago, having a child wasn't even on my radar.”
We hope you found these examples useful! By speaking with the right business language and vocabulary, you will be taken more seriously by others in the workplace, including your boss!
Studying English with us at Boost Academy is so convenient you won’t even need to leave the house as all our classes are online. Safe, convenient, and effective. What are you waiting for? Book a discovery call with us today to find out more: https://boostacademy.uk/index.php/packages/ We hope to see you soon!
