Are you abusing the 10 most irritating office phrases?
July 21, 2009 by StaffPosted in: Uncategorized
Everyone’s got their verbal pet peeves, but odds are good you and your co-workers have more in common than you think when it comes to phrases that should never be spoken in the office.
After performing extensive research, scholars at Oxford University and author Jeremy Butterfield have devised a list of the ten most irritating phrases uttered by humans.
This top ten list appears in Butterfield’s latest book, “Damp Squid,” which was comprised from books, papers, magazines, journals, broadcast media and other sources:
- At the end of the day
- Fairly unique
- I personally
- At this moment in time
- With all due respect
- Absolutely
- It’s a nightmare
- Shouldn’t of
- 24/7
- It’s not rocket science
In addition to these expressions, Butterfield also came up with a runners-up list of phrases. Although it’s populated by office lingo like “think-tank” and “synergy,” the words “literally” and “ironically” nabbed honorable mention for being used incorrectly, or out of context the most often.
Does one particular word or phrase automatically send you or your co-workers off the deep end? Share your own pet peeves with others below.
See original post from CFOSnafu.com here.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
“going forward”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
“Take it to the next level” Please define what the “next level” is? Define this level. How ridiculous. Most corporate speak is nonsense anyway. “Think outside the box” is another one.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
“flustrated” and “irregardless”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Cool Beans!
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Also…”Let me put this as simply as I can”…as if that’s what I need to understand.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
“that’s your problem”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but…
and
Booyah (however, you spell that)
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I have two:
Really?!?” No I lied
“In other words, what I mean” I understood what you said the first time.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
“You can’t fix stupid”, when an employee makes a mistake. You can fix it, it’s called re-training.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
“A teachable moment.” How do you teach a moment, exactly…?
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
“Can I interrupt you?” (you already did by asking the question!)
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
My pet peeve…”It’s all good” when really it isn’t!
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
to be honest
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
“Today’s economy.”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
awesome
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
“I’ll reach out to you,” “Shoot me an email”, and “We wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I am in complete AGREEANCE with all of you !
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
It’s not clear to me.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
“my bad”
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
“obviously” try replacing it with “obliviously” and most of the time it makes better sense !!?!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
When someone starts a sentence with “You People,” it immediately gets my hackles up.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
“Circle back”
“Ginormous”
And, on the phone, when a solicitor tries to soften you up by asking “how are you doing today?” I’m busy, get to the point.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
“raise the bar”
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
The one I hate is “….just wanted to ‘reach out to you’ today….” It’s just another way to schmooze and sell you something………..be direct!
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
“reach out” and ongoingly
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
“It is what it is”
Duh!
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
“Didn’t you get that email?”
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
“No she didn’t”
“Go on girl”
‘You da man”
“Know what I’m saying”
Yes, I’ve heard these said at work.
Also, “Let’’s give a shout out to…” I feel like screaming when I hear that.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Irregardless! and I’m with NRK – It really pushes my button when a phone solicitor tries to act like we are friends.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
“I seen”…………
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
“I’m glad you took ‘ownership’ of….
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
“Question for Ya” Just ask it.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Orientate
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
“Been there, Done that, Got the t-shirt” I want to say, then why aren’t you still there?
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
My pet peeves are when someone says “I understand that….”. What they really mean is they have stopped listening to you and want to repeat their point.
I also hate when someone says “with that said.”
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
It is what it is and the bottom line is
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
“Sooner rather than later”
On the phone, people who call and just say, “John Smith” instead asking if they can speak to John Smith. Also those who don’t officially end a conversation with “Good Bye,” or something similar but just hang up.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
“It is what it is…”
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
“It is what it is!” — what a copout!
“I’m sorry to interupt…” — then please do not interupt, it is rude.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Set the “benchmark”
We must think “GLOBALLY”
“irrespective of” someone on my team uses this word constantly and it drives me crazy…
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
FYI
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I don’t think “agreeance” is a word. I think you meant “agreement”.
In my office, the worst is, “From the Sales standpoint” or “From the Sales perspective”. One manager always starts his comments with one of those, and since he is the Sales VP, of course he is speaking from the sales standpoint/ perspective. Now he uses it for other things too, “From a pricing perspective”, “from a marketing standpoint”…Skip that, and just make your point!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
“touch base” – what would people say if baseball had not been invented
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
“It is what it is.” I loathe that expression.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
“Very unique”
“Do you have a minute” when the issue ends up taking an hour and should have 2 lawyers present!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
“Low hanging fruit” (from Aesop’s fable), “circle back around”, “to be honest with you” (no–please lie to me),
“Think outside of the box is the one I hate the most, but it was interesting to hear how that phrase became popular–it was based on a puzzle of a box of three rows of three dots to connect. Google it!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
The problem is……
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
How about “Oh are you on lunch?” when my office door is closed and my mouth is full of food at 12:00 pm.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Onboarding – when a new employee starts working, and my all-time pet peeve is “I could care less” which is the opposite of what they really mean. It is supposed to be “I couldn’t care less”.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
“multi-task” – no one truly has this ability. in reality, they just jump around from one thing to another…always working on ONE project at a time without focusing on any of them for long. it’s more attention deficit disorder than a positive trait.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
“That’s fine” – when I might say I took care of the problem. Thank you would be in order perhaps, but not “That’s fine” as if you are offering approval for my actions. No approval asked or wanted.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
“multi-task” – no one truly has this ability. in reality, they just jump around from one thing to another…always working on ONE project at a time without focusing on any of them for long. it’s more attention deficit disorder than a positive trait.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
These are too funny! Unfortunately, I find myself saying half of them
My pet peeve phrase ‘it is what it is.’
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
“was gonna”, “was no” and “okey dokey”.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Onboarding! I hate that too! Reminds me of waterboarding. What was wrong with new hire orientation??!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Please learn grammar! Number 8 is NOT “shouldn’t OF”–it’s “shouldn’t HAVE” and I see this incorrectly in print all the time–along with “your” for “you’re”–and the incorrect use of “her and me” versus “she and I”, e.g., give the paper to her and me (give the paper to her, give the paper to me, give the paper to her and me) NOT give the paper to she and I (give the paper to she? give the paper to I? give the paper to she and I?) “Give the paper to her and me. She and I will review and give it back to you.”
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
When our employees have failed at delivering on a task or project, the prevailing statement or excuse always seems to be “It is what it is”. As a business owner, nothing frustrates more than hearing those words.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
“It’s not my job” or Go ask so-and-so to do that. Welcome to the era of pass the buck, and who dropped the ball…
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
“Connect the dots”
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
You guys are hilarious! Thanks for making me smile on a Wednesday afternoon. This is apparently a hot topic. Having said that, I’ll submit!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I agree with all of the above and would like to add … “It is what it is!” (well, duh!)
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
“Hit the ground running”…is soooo over used!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
“Mute point” and “It is what it is” — ugh!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
My biggest pet peeve is the use of the phrase, “Spinning your wheels.” Just exactly what does this mean??? Why can’t they just say, “Spend a half hour on this and if you don’t understand, come see me.”
Also, the use of the term Champion for the lead person on a project is annoying to me. Who comes up with this stuff?
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
“axing” ilo “asking” and “secetary” and “libary”
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
When someone says “To be perfectly honest…” I usually reply “Well, I’m pleased that you are being honest with us/me.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
“Telephonically”
I’m not even sure its actually a word. “We should communicate telephonically” is just a pompous way to say “we should talk on the phone”.
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Someone already noted my least favorite term “at the end of the day”. But there’s also “think outside the box” that drives me nuts. And, “can i ask you a question” to which I answer…”you just did” and then smile while they stand there processing that.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
“It is what it is”… IT DRIVES ME CRAZY WHEN THEY SAY IT!!!!
when somebody tells you that they really need to talk to this person if he or she calls, and then when they call, they ask you to take a message for them! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Transparency – if I hear that one more time I will scream. Also, people who say irregardless when the word is regardless.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
“do what?” and “quite frankly”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
All the above plus:
Ending every other sentence with “if you will”
Overuse of the word “paradigm”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
“It’s a nonissue…”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
“As we move forward”, in case you were thinking about going backward, or sideways. “At the end of the day”, that one is used here way too much!
Another one I hate, “shoot me an e-mail”. How about if I just shoot you. (Just kidding, I’m not a terrorist)
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Using “Aks” (spelled ? / pronounced “axsed”) instead of “Ask” or “Asked”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
“lets not rest on our laurels”……what is a laurel anyway?
“The suspense date is” ……like is it going to sneak up on me or something?
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
In reference to the administrators “The powers that be. . .” “The Suits. . . ”
In reference to the subordinates “The worker bees. . .” “The masses. . .”
First phrase on Monday morning “Is it Friday yet?. . .”
Last phrase on Friday “I’m outta here. . .”
When an opinion is needed “Can I pick your brain?. . .
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
“What are you working on right now, is it important?” (nah, I only try to work on anything important)
and “Don’t take no for an answer” (really even though it’s the Government saying no?)
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Using the word ‘pacifically’ instead of ’specifically’. The Pacific is an ocean. Specific means to get to a clear and concise point…and quickly please. I have already lost respect for your poor use of the English language.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
“It is what it is”, which is a cheap way of stopping any further conversation, and “to your point”, because it is overused in my office.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Since we are a not-for-profit dealing with the ARRA quagmire- “TRANSPARENCY” is already “played out!”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
oh yeah, one more…a co-worker who always say, “..the bottom line is…” OK, ok, we get it, but please make an attempt to improve your vocabulary, for goodness sake.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
“Low hanging fruit” and whenever I hear “opportunity” it means you are being asked to take on extra work!
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I would like to AX you a PACIFIC question.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
“Frankly to be honest…” So, you haven’t been honest up until now?
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
“it is what it is”…
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
“Currently, at the present time…”
“No problem”
“Dude(s)”
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
that being said…I think we should “socialize” that idea – to Leverage and Align our priorities.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Think outside the box!
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
“Help me understand” – why? are you stupid?
“Think outside of the box” – Anyone who says that should be put IN a box.
“Let’s make sure we’re on the same page”
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
“We need to get our arms around it” and “It is what it is”
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
No one mentioned “Basically”?
Or “Let’s touch base”?
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
“Issues” we have “issues” with everything!
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
My biggest pet peeve: “supposably.”
Followed closely by: “At the end of the day.”
I wish it were the end of the day so I didn’t have to hear anymore of these cliches.
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
“Yada, yada, yada”
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
You just need to grab another gear.
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
“it is what it is”
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Pet peeve: …under the bus. There are no buses in our office.
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
1. “with that said” and 2. jokingly referring to someone elses good effort or result as “sandbagging”.
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
How about lovelies like “At the end of the day” or “I appreciate the problem.” Another charmer is “we need to take the time to make the time.” Oh brother!
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
The most irritating office phrase? ‘We’re laying you off.’
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
My biggest pet peeves:
Lingo used to make things seem modern and cutting edge , such as “onboarding” for new employee orientation. Also making nouns into verbs.
Other pet peeves: HR and business lingo that people use to try to make things sound better or more palatable, such as downsizing, rightsizing, and other new names for firing or laying people off, let’s just be “honest” and call it what it is…:)
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
We need to “embrace”…..whatever the newest idea is. Much like “get our arms around it”. Or “reach out” . This is a job not a physical relationship.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 am
Irregardless is not a word. It should just be “regardless.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:44 am
“expecially” instead of the proper pronunciation “especially”
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
Starting a sentence with, “ANYways…”
“It’s not my bailiwick” or “That’s your bailiwick”. Big boss started it, then mid-bosses started over-using it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:56 am
“IT IS WHAT IT IS” – I want to SCREAM when I hear this!!!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 am
“In this day and age…..” I hate that phrase. One of our most annoying employees used it constantly.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 am
oh ya’ll get over it already
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 am
“Things of that nature . . .”
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:14 am
My biggest pet peeve phrase is: “let me play devils advocate”. People frequently use this when they want to look at the negative or reverse side of the topic..
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:22 am
“Did you get my e.mail?” from the office co-worker who sends an e.mail and then rushes to stand in the doorway of my office to ask if I received it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 am
“Well, in my last position, I used to…” Frankly, I don’t care about your last position. I’d like to know how you’d handle the question in your current position…
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 am
“it’s not about the money”
well of course it is!
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:35 am
“Anyways” anyway you look at it, it’s anyway!! “Do you want to go with?” with what?????
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 am
“Let me say this” and “Hence”
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 am
“it is what it is”
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 am
I hate it when someone uses the word “verbiage” incorrectly. It’s someone’s way of trying to sound smart that comes off sounding stupid.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 am
“outside the box”
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
I will “try and do it.” It should be “try to do it.”
And cutsey names for objects: nanner (banana), bobo (elbow), umbershoot (umbrella).
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am
Also, Michelle, I agree with “Do you want to go with?” That drives me crazy!
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
“Any whoo” drives me crazy. One person in our office says it as she walks away. What????
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
I can’t wrap my head around this… physco?
It will behoove you to do…… cattle?
Think strategically…(w/no formal strategic plan…)
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
“I would tell you…” Just tell me!
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
too bad you can’t edit I meant to spell psycho above…
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
“It is what it is”
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:56 am
“Let’s take it off-line” — this is said way to often at meetings
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:58 am
“dial it in”
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:01 am
Everytime a new process or program rolls out the presentation begins with “We are really excited about this..”
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
I agree with above…can’t stand when people say “It is what it is”. Drives me nuts.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:08 am
“What are you working on?”
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 am
How about using “a ton” for “a lot” or “many”.
example – There were a ton of mistakes made on that project.
Exactly how many mistakes was that – one really heavy one or two halfton mistakes or 200 – 10 pound mistakes?
I always thought “ton” was a unit of weight not numbers!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 am
WOW, these are great!!
‘You can’t have your cake and eat it to’ when in fact, that is the purpose of cake, to have it, then eat it. Corrected: You can’t eat your cake and have it to.
my boss uses ‘we’ll figure it out’ for everything. It means i don’t want to bother with it now (or ever).
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 am
“Well that’s the way we’ve always done it” – well I hate to tell you but you’ve always done it wrong!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
“Let’s pull the trigger.” We’re looking after a business not a war.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
May I add, ‘are you busy’. YES, I am at work, that is what I do, stay busy.
A bit off topic, but when people ask different questions to the answers they want. Or answer a different question than asked.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 am
Conversating. When did conversing become conservating?
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:19 am
Conversating. When did conversing become conversating?
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:20 am
Conversating. Apparently I can’t even spell it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:22 am
When someone says it is going to be a “win win” – I absolutely hate that – somebody is going to lose.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 am
@Colleen,
Yes, sometimes it is hard to even play stupid!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
“whatever”
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
“Rationalizing” the organization…the latest term for laying off staff.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
“It is what it is” has started morphing into “It be what it be.” Do they have these kinds of phrases in other languages? Might be worth learning them just for the variety. I screen out people in interviews for “suit” positions who use “aks” insteatd of “ask”.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
“Basically” is annoying.
A former co-worker used to say, “Let me circle back to you.” Huh?
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
And, of course, “Let’s agree to disagree.” No…. let’s agree THAT we disagree! Arrgh!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Win-Win – hate it
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am
Many of these are funny and I have never heard of some of them. One of my all time favorites is “OMG I am SOOOO Over this place”….
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
WHAT A BUNCH!!!! OF NONSENSE!!! IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE IRRITATING PHRASES THEN DO NOT USE THEM!!! DUH YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU’VE BEEN WATCHING TOO MANY MOVIES AND/OR TV NONSENSE!!!!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
This really is not a particular phase, but happens regularly enough to include in my biggest pet peeves. When someone calls leaving a very clear message then rushes through their phone number as if you should already know it. The message may have gotten across but how can you respond if you cannot make out the phone number…..or if they forget to leave an area code!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
And one more thing before I actually accomplish something today…. Here’s a challenge: Who among us can string the most of these annoying phrases together in a paragraph? (I hear nails on blackboards when I even suggest it!)
Can I aks you a question? The secatary told me to go to the libary about the paradigm…
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
“Can I ask a question” and the very worst for me is “for a Monday”
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:48 am
@Amanda… Call them back. Do the same back to them. Leave off the last digit of your number. Make sure they know it’s important.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
“Step up to the box.”, “He won’t step up.” I heard this so much on the “Apprentice” that I quit watching.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Poor use of the english language also makes my skin crawl. Oops, did I just use one of those annoying phrases? At any rate (there I go again), I’ve used quite a few of the above phrases and probably will continue to do so since I tend to ‘mimick’ whatever group I happen to be around (minus foul language). For the most part, I try to keep my mouth shut. The less you say (not that I’m speechless), the less you look like an idiot. One reason I no longer manage people – just data. I love data, it doesn’t talk back to you or bring personal problems or tell everyone how much you hate it when your boss tells you to ‘think outside the box’.
Please forgive any grammatical, spelling or phrase offenses I may have just committed. 
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Sitiated or sitiation – WHY?!
I also cannot stand it when someone is talking, never finishing a sentence, stumbles over the entire point, really never making one and ends her comment with, “you know what I mean” or “whatever”.
UGH – First off, I am more confused now than before you started talking…and no, I do NOT know what you mean because you did not say anything – and the word whatever does not assist the SITUATION you wanted to discuss to begin with!
PLEASE do not lead a meeting while eating – I do not carry my protective gear into work…
I also get to hear “my baby daddy”, “I am anal” (you have no idea), “Now that we have hired you, I want this right” (and I don’t?), “this is your job, but I have to see everything, because you might put our organization at risk” (are you kidding me, why am I here?!).
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
I work between two buildings and there are a few people who EVERY time they see me say
“Oh you’re here today” – that starts the conversation out well.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:02 am
Here is a good one “Between you and me
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
K. Hamm,
I can’t wrap my head around this subject. Can you explain it to me again with some transparency. I would love to explain it to you again but it would not behoove me to do so. Whatever she sputters under her breath as she rolls her eyes. Oh Mary, I forgot if so and so calls for me and I am not available can you take a message? It is what it is…. Before this meeting is over can we set up a time to meet and discuss rationalizing the organization? We can conversate about it before we call in the powers that be. I don’ t know if they will be able to think outside the box or be able to step up to the plate on this issue. Let’s pull the trigger on this one before we find ourselves under the bus. I am so over this place…..
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
Nails on blackboards but still kind of fun….
“Like, OMG, it is what it is so can’t we just agree to disagree? I’m not trying to play devils advocate here or anything but that’s just the way we’ve always done things around here. I just can’t wrap my arms around why we aren’t thinking outside the box and taking this thing to the next level. It really is simple stupid. You People obviously drive me crazy with things of this nature. I understand that we are rationalizing the organization but I wish you would help me understand why, and sooner rather than later? With that said, at the end of the day it’s really a nonissue. Whatever?! I’m outta here.”
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 am
“UMMM… F.Y.I. …….” and it is always said with an attitude, there is a more professional way to notifiy someone of something they don’t know or that has changed. It drives me crazy! Along with “Say Wha?” yes they are to lazy to even say “What” but either way it’s just not professional.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
Thanks Michelle,
I meant “step up to the plate.” I hate it so much that I could’t remember it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Well since this subject was done last Friday through this site, here are a few sentences or paragraphs with everyone’s pet peeves in them, that others submitted that were so funny, I had to copy and use with the same game we play at work. How many irritating phrases can we use in a day, it made my Friday very entertaining…
At the end of the day, it’s not about what we say, but how we say it. I think that using appropriate language is fairly unique and I personally think that at this moment in time, with all due respect, we absolutely must strive to communicate. If we don’t it’s a nightmare! I have often told my colleagues that they shouldn’t of used certain phrases. Still, we plug along 24/7. After all, this is not rocket science.
“Actually” is one the gets me. It means that I may not be wrong, but some snot has to give me a “top-down thinking” approach to “group-think” suggestions “I could care less” about. “That being said,” “irregardless” to my original meaning, “it is what it is.” I mean “the fact of the matter” is that we have to stay on the “up and up” and “think outside of the box.” So, if some snot is going to talk down to me by using the word “actually,” “heads will roll.” “Honestly” I was just trying to provide a “high-level overview” of many “opportunities,” “per se.” “In other words,” “Welcome to my world,” listen to what I have to say and try to keep your comments to yourself until the “end of day.”
Beyootiful…..this is expecially vital in importance pacifically due to the need for everyone to take the 20,000 foot view of our blueprint for growth. Communication is key to getting everybody on the same page but the point is mute. That being said, the next generation of prosees will call for virtually all of us to be onboard otherwise the bus will leave without us and then where will we be? By the same token, we must not sacrifice clarity and recognize that the driver may be steering the bus but it takes the whole team to push it up the hill to the future. Agreed? Can I hear you say it? That’s better because if you say it you will take ownership of it and I can get back to what I do best which is avoiding any possibility of any of this coming back to my desk! Thank you all for your participation..now let’s get it done right the first time!
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
“With all due respect” is a polite form of a four letter word. It is an early form of office/social speak when someone is “in your space” and you are telling them to “butt out.” It can’t be faulted.
Bumbershoot is actually the British word for umbrella. Kind of charming if you are a Brit or a European speaker who learned English from British speakers.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Michele,
To tell you the truth, OMG that was amazing!
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
I have had a blast reading all your comments. My biggest pet peeve is when someone tells me “Have a good one”.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
How about “You know what I mean”, “Exactly” and “You know”.
I hear these phrases over & over with some of the others above.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
“Whatever” I just want to reach over & ring their neck when they say this. They are telling me they do not agree with me or even care, but they will do it anyway. (maybe)
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
“I’m getting alot of push back on this”
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
Has anyone mentioned “Not for nothin” or worse yet, “Nothin’ for Nothin”? What does this mean? Is it just silly New Yorkers who use this phrase?
How about “Boaf of dem”, as used in a sentence like “I sent you two invoices, I hope you got Boaf of dem.”
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
I don’t claim to have perfect grammar, but I cringe when I read emails where ‘your’ is used when it should’ve been ‘you’re’, ‘our’ for ‘are’, ‘too’/'two’/'too’ other favorites are: ‘I seen’, ‘you betcha’
Did these people really graduate from high school?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
Perception is reality! Really?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 am
“onboarding” and “bandwidth”
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 am
I am sick of the word Functionality and I hate bad grammar. “Where’re you at?” AARRGGhhhh.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
“Should have went.”
“Whole nother.” Is “nother” a word? I think not.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
“Let’s agree to disagree.” Okay, that’ll solve it. You just killed any further conversation on this topic.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Private Party, that was a great synopsis! My favorite pet peeve is constant interruptions with “Are you busy?” I want to say, “What does it look like!?!)
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
“However, comma…” I don’t understand the need to literally say “comma” or any other punctionation marks for that matter “Period”!
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
And then there’s the use of “mute” point when it is really “moot” point. Although it might be nice if more people expressed mute (silent) points, then at least we would not have to listen to them.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
“I could care less.” Really? How much less?
“Creative solutions.” What’s wrong with simple, quick and effective solutions?
“as we move forward…” Rather than moving backwards?”
“Step up to the plate.” Our international customers probably think we’re preparing to have lunch!
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
“Let’s not beat a dead horse” used when you are no longer willing to discuss something
“there’s no accounting for it” used when you can’t answer a question
“the long and the short of it is” just get to the point
“ramping up” We had a manager that used variations of this instead of saying that someone was in training or learning their job. “John is ramping up.” or “John’s in the ramp up phase.”
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
These are too funny!! I’ll admit, I’m probably the biggest culprity of “it is what it is,” and I had no idea that phrase was so irritating to so many! Guess I’ll reign it in.
I was out of the workforce for several years raising kids and when I came back and got hired by a company, they told me they’d like me to revamp their onboarding process since I had so much previous experience in that area. Okay, it was still called new hire orientation when I left and I had no clue what they were talking about but apparently I had quite a bit of experience in it. lol
My biggest pet peeve: “outside the box” and “irregardless.” Just wanna shoot myself when I hear that.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 am
There is no such thing as a “mute point.” The word should be “moot.”
“Irregardless” is not a word.
They’re, their, there – learn the appropriate usage for each.
Your and you’re – there’s a difference
“manage expectations”
“boil the ocean” – the new “bite off more than you can chew” apparently
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
SWEEEEET!!! I want to throw up everytime I hear this and then tell the adult to go back to Jr. High School!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I hate them all and hear them all at some point during the day. The most annoying to me is ‘quite frankly’ and realistically, circle back, going forward. Yikes it’s too much. Oh another is ‘no worries’.
Apparently this came from Australia, how it got here so fast and furious is beyond me. One more is’ would you like to come with’. This appears to me to be regional.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
How about “Refer any questions to myself.” That should be me!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Let’s “level set” this
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I also hate the misuse of “I” or “me”. I hear the word “I’ used sooooo often when it should be me. It’s not hard. “I” is used as the subject in the sentence and “me” used is the object!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
These were hilarious. And I am so relieved to learn that I’m not the only one who feels homicidal when they hear “I could care less” and the speaker means the exact opposite. That phrase has been my pet peeve for years! But irregardless, at the end of the day, I’ll simply accept that it is what it is, and say whatever. You know what I mean?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
The grammar and mis-spelling is unbelievable. I am embarrassed for these brain children.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Another one is when people confuse the usage of “less” and “fewer”. And as far as a phrase goes, I hate the use of “deep dive”.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
“In the real world” Like we work in a fantasy land.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
This has been the most fun article I’ve seen in a long time. The participation and creativity is excellent which is a credit to all HR professionals. I do believe I’ve picked up a few new irritating comments I can use in the future. I’m sure I irritate folks when I say “Let me say this about that….”
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
There are a couple that really bug me. We’ll get there, and I was just thinking that.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
The most irritating is “aks.” Faux words that are equally appalling include “irregardless” and “telephonically.” Also, it’s not a “mute point,” it’s a moot point.
Private Party- thanks for the laugh!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Can someone give an example of the correct usage of “verbiage?” (Notice I didn’t say “the word verbiage”)
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
All of these are hysterical!
My biggest pet peeve: incorrect grammar. “he done”, “I seen”, “Wha chu did?” instead of “what did you do?”. “Let me ax you a question”. “Irregardless” is another BIG one! And the difference between who and whom “who did it?” and “to whom was it done?” Apparently some people think these words are interchangable. Let’s not forget “who-da thunk it”. And if I hear “baby-daddy” one more time I’m going to throw up.
Let me also say thank you for introducing me to “onboarding”. That’s one I haven’t heard. I still conduct new-hire orientation. Does that make me a dinosaur?
What exactly are the requirements to graduate high school these days???
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Ending every email with “Have a wonderful and safe day!” drives me crazy!
The improper use of basic grammar in emails also drives me crazy such as confusing “to” and “too,”and “there,” “they’re,” and “their,” or “me” and “I.” I often see fragmented sentences and some sentences that just don’t make any sense at all. I’ve even gotten emails that use “endless” instead of “unless.” Seriously!?
Recently, I have received several responses to job postings that say something similar to “Please send more information about your company,” and that is it! There is not even a resume included. I receive about one hundred responses to each job posting, I do not have the time to respond to your email which you put absolutely no effort into. The company name is included in the job posting, research it! Now, my first impression of you is that you are just lazy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
“Amazing”, totally overused; “Working in Silos”: Are we Equine, bovine???; “Vetting”: What’s with the animal references??? And, like many others of us, the total disregard for spelling, pronunciation or usage…”You know what I mean” is the catchphrase for “I don’t have to spell or say it correctly…”
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am working to become immune to my boss ending sentences with “this that and the other thing”.
But it’s very hard to do! No doubt it stems from poor vocabulary and lack of knowledge about a particular issue.
Thanks everyone for sharing. It is making me think more critically about the words that come out of my own mouth.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
KF- That is crazy that someone looking for a job would actually put that…people amaze me. My thought would be that they obviously arent that serious about working for our company because they should go to our website or do research. That statement would clue me in immediately that they are high maintenance, low output.
Another pet peeve KF reminded me about was the use of the word to, too, and two and also adding the letter “s” to the end of words …example “Hey Im going to run to Walmarts.” Last I knew it was WalMart. Or like many have said “Let me axe you a questin” (not question) and “I’ll be two (2) mint” (Minutes) Sometimes I don’t even know what is being asked….I really need a translation dictionary.
there are just so many!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Any Who
Pacific instead of Specific
and yes I have actually heard those – repeatedly!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Joanne – you made me think about another one that drives me nuts.
Physical when the correct word is fiscal
and yes I, too, hear this one repeatedly from the compensation manager. Yeeck!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Thanks to all of you for such a good laugh!
The question, “Wasssup” drives me crazy.
Now, if someone tells me, “I’ll ride you over to the meeting,” is he going to ride on my back to the meeting or will he allow me to ride with him in his vehicle?
Who is “they?”
And, the very favorite of my most unfavorite phrases…Someone walkes into my office and asks, “Are you busy?” No, I’m just sitting here doing nothing, drawing a paycheck and waiting for your silly self to walk in.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I forgot they don’t have spellcheck on these sites.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
” incentivize ” What the heck is THAT?!?!?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
“Those ones”. You can say “those people”, “those two apples”, “those groups” but never “those ones” (unless you were referring to a bunch of number ones). “Those” is plural and refers to the subject; one is singular. Those two words should never be used in a sentence together. Ever. Say “that one” or just “those”. The most common use of this abuse is “I really liked those ones”. Arghh!
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I also hate the misuse of possessives vs. plurals as well as the misuse of “can” and “may”, but what really gets me is “impacted”. This should only be used in reference to wisdom teeth and colons. The correct phrase is “have an impact on”.
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I can’t stand it when people say “myself” instead of “me” because they think it makes them sound fancy/smart (i.e. When you get that information, just send an email to myself.) – Arggghhh! The only time you should use “myself” is if you’re saying “I took care of it myself.”
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
“Ramp up” is like nails on a chalkboard!
Others:
“circle back”, “get on-board”, “think outside the box”.
Phrase used incorrectly most frequently: “Please let Mary or myself know.” Would you say, “Please let myself know” when referring only to yourself????
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Is Bill Relph being serious? I can’t tell….?
I think it’s all great levity! Nice to lighten up and enjoy a laugh!
July 24th, 2009 at 8:07 am
When did problems become “issues”?
“Please re-do and keep it “PC”.”
When did something “hard to do” become a “challenge”?
When did discrimination become a “diversity challenge”?
When did a RIF become “right-sizing”?
My #1 though, is “irrespective”.
July 24th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m tired of everyone calling the manila folders VANILLA folders. Why would a folder have a flavor?
July 24th, 2009 at 9:01 am
I’m baffled. Are most of these posts from HR professionals? With all the serious and important issues that HR professionals must manage, I’m surprised that a professional would be so judgemental and ‘annoyed’ by contemporary cliches or catch-phrases. I think this site would be better used to share successes and knowledge. I am relatively confident that we all slip and use a trite phrase now and then. I’m disappointed that these negative comments about human nature and people can carry on this long.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:08 am
LJ – we all can’t be serious all the time – lighten up – let people be human and let off some steam once in awhile… it also doesn’t hurt to laugh at ourselves. We are being human and humans need some diversion once in awhile. Work is serious enough as it is when you are an HR professional. Have a nice day…:)
July 24th, 2009 at 9:14 am
@LJ
So you post a negative comment about people being negative? Really? : )
Why would you be surprised that professionals would get annoyed? Why would any not get annoyed at stupidity?
This site spends most of the talking about success topics or how to avoid failure.
Perhaps you are just over sensitive as much of what has been may reflect upon you??
July 24th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I agree with Michele – LJ, you need to lighten up and enjoy a funny now and then.
And, hey, Renee – are those your most unfavorite catch phrases or are you taking a stab at us?
July 24th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I hate when people don’t proofread LOL
“Perhaps you are just over sensitive as much of what has been SAID, may reflect upon you??”
July 24th, 2009 at 9:26 am
WOW! LJ You are so lucky that the posts responding to your post are nice. The one time I said something wasn’t funny someone got rude with me which I in turn told them exactly what i thought and that they needed to worry about their own mess they had going on and not my successfully run department. I just figured he was not HR or was inadequate in his professionalism. With the extensive Employee Relations most of us deal with all day long every day it tends to get very annoying to hear the same phrases and words everyday. This was a great stress reliever. Especially now with some cutbacks in businesses we all need to laugh vent and have a good time with other professionals who understand what we go through.
It sounds like you may have alot on your plate right now and trust me…it will get better!!!
OH NO…Did I use any verbiage that someone may have issues with that may have someone say it is what it is? Im just playing
July 24th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I just heard this one from another department. We will do it this way “on a go-forward” basis. What happened to “from now on” or “in the future?”
July 24th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Anne made me think of another one. When did problems become “opportunities”? I also really dislike the use of emoticons (sp?) on any business related correspondence.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:40 am
” I don’t have the band width to make that decsion” Translation- I don’t want to get involved.
” I want to provide the strategic vision for this project” Translation- I want my name on this but don’t expect me to do anything !
July 24th, 2009 at 9:46 am
“How to Beat Stress Fast” is the article on our breakroom table this morning. The number one way? Humor!!!! I found this article and the pet peeves a nice break from an ordinary day in HR!
July 24th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I haven’t herd this to much in the office yet, but here it on TV frequently. I think starting a reply with “Look….” is rude. I no Obama does it, and I generally like him. But now tons of people are doing it. To myself, “Look….” sounds like your dismissing the question, telling the listener your dumbing down the answer so it can be understood by obvious morons, like you and I, and that your impatient with the questioner for ever aksing such a stupid question. I didn’t much like Reagan, but starting a reply with “Well….” is much better. I try to tell myself It is what it is, but of obliviously, that’s the problem….I should be something else.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Overuse of the word “solutions.” Nobody offers products or services anymore?
July 24th, 2009 at 10:03 am
A LOT is two words!!! Alot is not a word!
July 24th, 2009 at 10:37 am
The sad part of all this is that I’m seeing more and more of these show up in applications, resumes, and interviews. I’ve gotten applications without punctuation or capitalization. I’ve responded to them in kind. I asked some other HR people and it’s happening all over. The best guess is that it comes from people doing more texting than writing – thus the lack of capitals.
Multitasking is another one. Multitasking is just ADD at work.
July 24th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Another one is people who do not know the proper usage of “fewer” and “less”. And how some people have the tendency to use apostrophes to make a word plural. That one drives me crazy.
July 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I can’t stand it when someone states that they give 110% for example. No one can be over 100% which is as far as it can go. Also don’t like to hear 8AM in the morning. How redundant! another is irregardless. check the dictionary! It is what it is has completely been worn out!
July 24th, 2009 at 10:54 am
“I’ll give you a jingle” ARGGHH just say you’ll call me!
July 24th, 2009 at 11:03 am
“on tomorrow” or “on yesterday”
My bad
supposebly
mute point for moot point
July 24th, 2009 at 11:04 am
It gets on my nerves when people shorten everything. “I’m going to the caf (cafeteria)” “I was sick and had to take meds”.
July 24th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
1-vaca for vacation
2-reinerate (where does the n come from?!)
3-at the end of the day
4- Segue ( I HATE THAT WORD!)
July 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I think we covered everything folks. Responses are getting redundant. I’m getting hundreds sent to my email all day. (I know we covered perception, did we cover exaggeration?)
July 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
@ Diane
I 110% agree with the 110%! That drives me NUTS!!
@Cheryl, I agree also
July 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I hate it when a certain female executive addresses all female employees under her as “dear” instead of using the person’s name.
July 27th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Basically…
July 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I shudder everytime I hear “get on the same page” now…I am sooo tired of that one
I agree with all the others I read posted already.
When I hear “Let me play Devil’s Advocate” I am tempted to say something like “Helluva client you got there” or something equally obnoxious.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:03 am
The close cousin of “it is what it is”: “We are where we are.”
Starting any statement to a group with “Look, …” or even worse “Look people, …”
July 29th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Someone in my office responds to practically everything with, “cool beans”, or “it’s all good!” and I want to scream. I also want to know what year it is based on those old phrases..
July 30th, 2009 at 11:33 am
We can’t have a dollar doing a dimes work.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I hate it whan a Sales Rep from a Staffing Agency, calls…leaves a message…”I’ll be in your area tomorrow and will stop by to introduce myself” Well, you just did, by leaving a message. The last person I want to see is anyone from a Staffing Agency when I’ve just had to Furlough 75% of my staff.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
When “comprised” is used incorrectly as in this article. “This top ten list appears in Butterfield’s latest book, “Damp Squid,” which was comprised from books, papers, magazines, journals, broadcast media and other sources” to be correct should say composed from or compiled from.
A correct usage example: a zoo comprises animals (not is composed of animals).
July 31st, 2009 at 8:36 am
Systemic – really sick of hearing this word.
July 31st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I would have to say my least favorite is “I’m just playing the devil’s advocate here”. Every time I hear that, I just want to scream!!
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
“Here’s the thing”
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’m sorry to say I have used some of these phrases mentioned quite a few times. The one I hate hearing is “to make a long story short”. I always think…”too late”.
August 4th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I cannot STAND for someone to say to me: “Quick question for you.” That is another way of saying, “this one will take you the rest of the afternoon.” There are NEVER any quick questions when described that way.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:07 am
“lol” and all the rest of the text message abbreviations. Leave them out of office email and use proper English.
Have to disagree with Amy – most working moms know there IS such a thing as multi-tasking. How else do you get dinner on the table, homework done, clothes washed, dishwasher emptied, pets fed, mail read and still have time to relax before bedtime. I had a boss who couldn’t fathom multi-tasking and it made him very nervous, but he recognized that it works for some people and is sometimes the only way to satisfy multiple bosses. An experienced multi-tasker understands just which tasks can be done that way and which tasks need focus.
August 5th, 2009 at 9:10 am
“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.”
August 5th, 2009 at 11:37 am
oooh…I agree about the crossing bridges line…why not just say “I choose not to acknowledge your point at this time”? Usually this is said by the same person who points the finger when things go wrong…”Why didn’t you mention this at the beginning of the project?”
August 5th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Benchmark, and benchmarking. Categorically, and categorically speaking. The one that makes my teeth grind — “Now, more than ever.” Aaarrghhh! What, people didn’t really care about anything before now, even during WWI, the Depression, WWII, ….? Knuckle down – I’m not a gorilla! Strategic Planning – okay, stop planning, and start doing. Please. At this critical juncture – it’s always a critical juncture, and it seems to be a moving target. This has been fun reading everyone’s posts!
August 5th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I also work for a non-profit. I absolutely hate “Can you share with me” or “Will you share with the group” or “I shared with him or her”. Transparency is so overused it has become a joke (especially in the White House). “I know your door was closed but can I interrupt?”. Poor grammar drives me crazy! “Oh sorry, it’s Monday”.
August 5th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Did anyone mention “reach out to” as in “can someone reach out and help Cheryl with this issue?” What the #(@(*#! does that mean ??? Am I going to get a hug or something? Hate that one.
August 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
To EL -
“Now, more than ever.” That is the one that really made me think. It’s so arrogant isn’t it? As the new push out the old in my company, the new do not realize that everything old is new again – they just use new descriptors as a secret language to confound and frustrate the experienced co-workers.
August 5th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Hugs to you Cheryl. I am with you and I reach out to you to give you a hug! LOL
Another one for me is “Open Door Policy”
August 5th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hugs to you Cheryl. I am with you and I reach out to you to give you a hug!
Another one for me is “Open Door Policy”
August 6th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Oh, no – here’s some more from this morning: Stakeholders. “The Project is informed by…” (how exactly do you inform a project? Does it answer back?) Outreach. “Aligning practices with expectations.” Webinar. (ick!) I’m sure there will be more as the day goes on . . .
August 7th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Boy, this survey really hit some hot buttons… sorry if that phrase offends anyone!
As others have said, onboarding… we are not going on a cruise or an aiplane here… it’s new hire orientiation.
The closed door lunch time interruption too…. “I know you are at lunch, but”
Or the use of the word “like” instead of “said”.. “I’m like,,,,”
Where the heck did that come from? I hate Valley Girl talk.
Who thinks of this stuff anyway????
August 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I would be interesting in knowing how the terms (onboarding, talent management, etc. etc.) were developed and in what context. I, too, become confused with this “new” HR terminology and find it quite off-putting.
Are university HR programs teaching these now as proper terms to use? They ARE confusing especially to those of us who have been in HR a long time.
Does anyone have some perspective on this that will help adjust my negative attitude toward this “renaming” of terms?
August 7th, 2009 at 10:07 am
CW: Hi, Not sure where the terms came from but I know when I received the materials from the HRCI PHR/SPHR prep course and took the course they were all over the book. SHRM or HRCI may be able to give us an answer.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Every industry has this problem of recycling theories, terms, etc and renaming them to look new – it SELLS! ! ! My husband just retired from teaching and complained for 40 years about old methods that didn’t work the first, second or third time, coming around again with another name. It sells textbooks, courses, curriculum consultants and side products. It’s all a big marketing game – there’s really very little out there that could be considered truly new and innovative.
And, by the way – Who Moved My Cheese? – Yuck
August 11th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
When something goes wrong, “train wreck”
Also”brain dead” does not belong in the offce. How about someone was just plain “stupid” tell it like it is!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
“We need to start ringing some bells.”
August 13th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
“It is what it is” I hate that..because it is what you make it!
August 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
“For all intensive purposes” instead of “For all intents and purposes”
and
“Do it in this manor” instead of “do it in this manner”
August 13th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
How about the phrase “that’s a lie.” I’m not sure that most of the people who use the phrase know what is the definition of a “lie”. It is “an intentional act meant to deceive or falsify information”. This especially is irritating if a question is asked of someone, several months or even a year later, and the person asking the question is demanding an immediate answer without giving an individual time to either research or get the information requested (asking someone to utilize memory for something that occurred in the past and may have been forgotten.). Or…“I’ll get back to you about it.” The person saying it doesn’t give you a time, date, year, or even century; hoping you’ll forget about it under your normal workload/work schedule.
When this actually happened to me, and the person who gave me the “I’ll get back to you” response was not too happy about it when I followed up with them 3 days later (the timeframe I gave them). Their inital response was “You didn’t talk to me about [subject], then afterwards I provided proof of the request said I’ll have an answer in an hour (I always send a confirming e-mail about my request to the individual after a verbal request is made).
August 14th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
To Claire: using the word stupid is demeaning.
It’s demeaning to tell someone that they made a “stupid mistake”. There is no such thing as a smart mistake.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
In reference to the word “stupid”, how about Obama’s saying that the Cambridge Police acted stupidly in references in reference to the Gates arrest. It is stupid to say stupid in the office or in politics. Look how complicated that gaff caused….now we’ve had a beer summit diplomacy in the White House. (I am an Obama fan but he was way off base)
August 14th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
To JB et al
I have never nor would I call someone stupid in th eoffice but sometimes they make stupid mistakes due to carelessness, lapses in judgement or just not thinking, I was saying tell it like it is but not obviously using the word stupid. I am not that stupid.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Claire, I work w/someone who is ignorant resulting in making stupid mistakes, all because she acts on impulse and w/out a clue. I pray every day to be delivered from such people b/c the only contribution such ppl make to the workplace is a wake of mass confusion, chaos and faux pas that have to be cleaned up by someone else. I am an Obama supporter also, and I thought he chose his words carefully. He didn’t say the officer was stupid; rather, the officer acted stupidly, and I couldn’t agree more w/Obama’s statement. My biggest regret is that he back-tracked on what he said – he is going to be criticized, regardless. (I digress, and this is somewhat off topic, but I am of the mindset that we need to understand the nuances of of calling someone stupid and saying that they acted stupidly. Just my opinion, for what it’s worth.)
August 17th, 2009 at 7:50 am
To Claire and 1Hippie Chick – We don’t call people “stupid” in our family or at work. We feel it is disrespectful and hurtful. I think it was an inappropriate remark on the behalf of Obama. That being said I’m obviously not an Obama fan. Maybe Obama should look in the mirror. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:58 am
While describing someone’s action as stupid is not the same as calling him stupid, it is still a less-than-polite remark. It is an attack on character rather than an attack on the person and attacking in the workplace should be avoided.
I wish that the President of the United States had an advanced enough vocabulary and tact to avoid the word “stupid” entirely but due to maybe poor judgement on his part, he used it in reference to an officer of the law performing his duty as that duty was taught to him. It was very poor form on Obama’s part. Too bad for him.
In the workplace, the word “stupid” should be used rarely as it will almost always make the other person defensive.
I agree it belongs on the list of irritating office phrases along with other judgemental, negative or attacking-type words such as: “idiot”, “moron”, “narrow-minded”, “uptight”…etc
August 18th, 2009 at 11:52 am
I hear “begs the question” mis-used frequently. It actually means to make a conclusion based on a faulty premise, such as “All cats love dogs. Fluffy is a cat, so she must love dogs.” That is called “begging the question”. It is *not* the same as “raises the question”, as in “My cat loves dogs, which begs the question, was she raised by a dog?” No!
August 18th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
When two people in a meeting get a little heated or can’t come to an agreement – “How about we TAKE THIS OFFLINE.”
August 18th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
ROBUST – The new training program is “robust.” The features of the new system are “robust.” The implementation of a new process will provide employees with a “robust” experience.
August 18th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Its “all good.”
This is starting to sound like a George Carlin routine. He was such a great wordsmith and he often poked fun at these very same expressions.
I hereby dedicate this posting in its entirety to George Carlin. RIP.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Slaughtering the Enlish language irks me. My top ones are (besides all of the above):
Misusing assure, insure, and ensure.
“Among his awards and accomodations…” Accomodations are living quarters etc. You are being commended! It’s a commendation.
“Congradulations” It’s Congratulations.
This is good therapy…….
August 19th, 2009 at 9:26 am
LOL, Cheryl and Gerald. I coudn’t agree more, which reminds me of the two phrases that I think I have not published yet:
“Having her cake and eating it, too.” Backwards. Of course one can have their cake and then eat it, too. The correct expression is “Eating her cake and having it, too.” One cannot eat one’s cake and then have it.
Another pet peeve: “I could care less” when one means to say “I couldn’t care less.”
(Apologies if these already made the list – I haven’t read all entries.)
August 19th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I did not know that about “Eating your cake and having it too.” I have always said it backwards, but this of course makes much more sense.
I learned something new today. Thanks HippieChick.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
The C Suite
Getting a “place at the table”
Soft Copy vs Hard Copy
August 19th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
The origin of the Cake quote is the Duchess of Tuscany (not Marie Antoinette as many think) “Let them eat cake” was said in response to the duchess being told that the poor had no bread to eat, so in her airheadedness, her solution was for them to eat the more expensive cake….
Having your cake and eating it too is a misquote of the original cake quote, and makes sense in the context that they could not have the cake or eat it because they couldn’t afford either.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Kristen, this quote actually preceded Marie Antoinette. You may find the following interesting. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_one’s_cake_and_eat_it_too
quoted below:
“The phrase’s earliest recording is from 1546 as “wolde you bothe eate your cake, and have your cake?” (John Heywood’s ‘A dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Prouerbes in the Englishe Tongue’)[1] alluding to the impossibility of eating your cake and still having it afterwards; the modern version (where the clauses are reversed) is a corruption which was first signaled in 1812.
Paul Brians, Professor of English at Washington State University, points out that perhaps a more logical or easier to understand version of this saying is: “You can’t eat your cake and have it too”. Professor Brians writes that a common source of confusion about this idiom stems from the verb to have which in this case indicates that once eaten, possession of the cake is no longer possible.[2] Alternatively, the two verbs can be understood to represent a sequence of actions, so one can indeed “have” one’s cake and then “eat” it. Consequently, the literal meaning of the reversed idiom doesn’t match the metaphorical meaning. The phrase can also have specialized meaning in academic contexts; Classicist Katharina Volk of Columbia University has used the phrase to describe the development of poetic imagery in Latin didactic poetry, naming the principle behind the imagery’s adoption and application the “have-one’s-cake-and-eat-it-too principle”.[3]”
I agree w/ Gerald’s earlier remark “…this is good therapy.” This back-and-forth adds a bright note to my harried, hectic day! Thanks to everyone who posts!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:26 am
TO:
Private Party Says: July 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
I just read your post – don’t know how I missed it. May I copy and use?
August 20th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
When my boss says: “I have a great idea, you will love it”. Like there is an option, or “let’s close the circle” aka “close the loop”
August 21st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
“It’s who you are.” Or “It’s who they are.” Who are you to assess who I am? Very pretentious.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I SHOULDN’T OF visited this website. IT’S A NIGHTMARE, ABSOLUTELY, AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME and I PERSONALLY, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT believe that AT THE END OF THE DAY, 24/7, that IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE nor FAIRLY UNIQUE.
I just HAD to try this. And for those jumping in late, the above is a compilation of the top 10 “Damp Squid” referenced at the beginning of this article.
Happy Friday, everyone…did anyone add TGIF to the list?!?!
August 21st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The phrase “enough already” is irritating to me. The new HR terms (onboarding, talent management, etc.) must come from the consultants who would like for HR people to feel inferior and in need of their expertise.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:07 am
How about “transitioning” AKA what it really means is that “we are dumping you” and what it really means is that you are losing your job regardless of whatever the reason Anyone who has been “transitioned” due to layoff, restructuring or fired knows the outcome is still the same. Transition is a phrase t ease corporate guilt.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
To gbailey and any others that can help -
Your “new HR terms” post resonated with me including the comment about consultants. This is a serious problem for our office.
Does anyone have access to a dictionary of terms that you could share? Trying to interpret this new HR language is like listening to “gobblyspeak” and it is pervasive with consultants, webinars, articles and even SHRM. The goal seems to obfuscate everything these days!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:09 am
organic / organically
August 25th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
“Push back”
I know this was mentioned already…”..At the end of the day..” Athletes and Hollywood now are using it.
“You got it”. Sometimes used in place of “I’ll take care of it” or “Yes”.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:38 am
“This needs to be done ASAP because “so-and-so” wanted it like yesterday.” If “So-and-so” needed it yesterday, it should have been asked for 2 days prior.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
How about coming up with the 10 most ridiculous excuses people give for calling in sick! Reading this website is comic relief for highly stressed under resourced people who add value but who are unecognized and underpaid.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
In addition to the bad grammer, made-up words, and mispronounciations already listed:
- big picture / little picture
- cut to the chase
- TMI
- bleeding-edge
- we’re a high-tech company (even though we’re not)
August 27th, 2009 at 9:51 am
“This is probably a dumb question, but…” Yes, it’s probalby a dumb question – just ask it and let me answer so I can get back to work.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Rachel:
A much wiser and older person once told me, “The only dumb question, is a question that has not or will not be asked.” I try have tried to keep this in mind and use this phrase when someone poses the overused “This is probably a dumb question, but…” or “I hate to ask a dum question, …” It usually get’s them to the point faster, and me to other issues that need to be resolved.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
“To that end” and “Orientated”
August 30th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
“Be that as it may” what really does that mean? How about Yello for Hello? I really hate “gunna” or “wanna”
“outta here” and take it to the next level! Yikes!
August 31st, 2009 at 11:47 am
Cheryl:
I agree! “Be that as it may”??? I have never understood what that means.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Most of these sound like they came from the hokey big corp “Comfortation” training classes. They are so irritating! My least liked phrase that my office uses is ” thrown under the bus”.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
To Laura -
Maybe you hate the phrase “thrown under the bus” because you have been. What else would you say? We do use that phrase because it so clearly illustrates what someone does to another to get ahead or make themselves look good.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
When someone agrees with you so heartily, that they can’t help but to say, “Right!” after every sentence you utter. But it’s “right” pronounced “Ri-gh–t,” stretching out the syllables. “Rii-ggghh-t.”
August 31st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I wish someone would throw this particular post under the bus. Enough already. Please! I’m going to have to divert these to my junk mail.
August 31st, 2009 at 3:22 pm
ASAP– ughhh
August 31st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
“Hats” used to denote different job responsibilities. Ususally used like this “I have to take off my workers’ comp hat and put on my reasonable accomodation hat to answer that question” or “John wears many hats since we only have two people working in HR.”
August 31st, 2009 at 4:50 pm
“Hope” and “Change” unfortunately took good words and made them political
Now they are overused and misused.
September 1st, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I am REALLY bad about responding to, “How’s it going?” with “I can’t complain; (it) wouldn’t help if I did”. I bet that annoys some people!!
Our new office phrase is, “I have a little HEARTBURN over that”, when what they mean is they disagree. I don’t like it, but I have caught myself using it, too. What sheep we can be!
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
All so very interesting and some quite informative. Humor is a good thing any time.
Chris H.: Growing up “back in the day”, we were taught to respond to anyone stating “Where’re you at?” with “between the A and T”. Corny – but called attention to grammar. HRD in Mobile: A response I use when asked “Are you busy” when I am obviously busy, is “What are you needing that is more important than this?”
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
“If you will” and “Sooner than Later”
September 9th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now and I’ve decided the most irritating thing I’ve heard since the computer age is “the systems down”. Gosh, if IT only knew about typewriters and carbon paper they’ed freak. Showng my age aren’t I?
October 5th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
“Return it to myself or Sue” — Only you can return it to yourself!
“Excetera”
“Just between you and I”
October 5th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
To Norma Jean – I agree. Maybe we should give those IT folks a test to see if they could keep a mimeograph machine cylinder from forming that telltale pleat down the middle of the page. They don’t know what it’s like to get purple on their fingers! Then they might be more original than saying the systems are down.