14 Office Buzzwords We Need To Stop Saying In 2024

We all have something that annoys us at work, but nothing beats corporate phrases. While some of these phrases started as a way to bond with employees, they’ve evolved to become annoying and even demeaning:

We’re a family

Companies use this phrase to convey a close-knit and encouraging environment, but we can all agree it’s just lip service. Most companies use this phrase to cover up for a toxic environment, so employees dread hearing this.

Touch base

One of the most annoying phrases picked up from baseball, touch base in the corporate world means a quick meeting or discussion. It’s basically their way of telling employees to pull themselves together, so naturally, most aren’t fond of it.

On my radar

Hearing your boss say something is on their radar is annoying because it means they’ve hopped on yet another work trend they may not be sincerely attached to. Although it’s meant to be sincere, it sounds a little intimidating and cliche.

Circle back on that

We’ve all had a supervisor say this when we present an idea, and that’s one good reason why we should stop using it. Most people use this phrase to put off listening to ideas or concerns, making it seem like they don’t care about their employees.

Hop on a call

This phrase became even more popular during COVID-19 when most supervisors would ask you to abruptly join them for a quick call. When such requests coincide with when you’re buried with work, it irritates us.

Backburner

A corporate phrase to suggest a delay or postponement, back burner naturally isn’t anyone’s friend. It’s always annoying to hear your project got delayed, but this phrase always makes it look like the project wasn’t necessary to begin with.

Game changer

We’ve used this frequently to discuss new or innovative trends, but ironically, this phrase is overused and needs replacing. Its overuse is why employees can’t take it seriously; most game changers are more mundane than expected.

Pivot

‘Friends‘ might have made it a fun phrase, but pivot has been swaying the business world for a long time. It may have been a fun way to say we’re changing directions, but it sounds like the speaker cannot make a decision, painting them in a bad light.

Put a pin in it

People in management love to say this when they want to put off a conversation, even if it’s serious. Naturally, most employees aren’t fond of this phrase, but it’s also getting a bit too old for us.

Run the numbers

Management typically uses these words before approving a project, which can make employees feel underappreciated because it implies that management doesn’t trust its employees and their ideas.

You’re crushing it

Hearing your boss say this sounds like your parents are trying to fit in with the recent slang. We understand it’s a compliment, but this phrase doesn’t suit a corporate environment, and we need to come up with something new now.

Out of pocket

‘Out of pocket’ initially meant being temporarily unavailable, but companies also use this when pointing out inappropriate behaviors or words. Funnily, both come off as insincere and sound unprofessional.

New normal

“New normal” tried to sum up how life changed drastically, especially after Covid-19, but now it feels overused and vague. Let’s talk more precisely about the changes we’re living through and moving towards, like the evolution of technology.

Quick win

The term “quick win” makes things sound too simple, overlooking the real work behind achievements. Let’s celebrate the effort and strategy it takes for an individual or a team to succeed.