Sometimes It Helps To Look At Ourselves
Over the last ten years or so, aside from the millions of acronyms that have been created, misused, and abused, there is this growing trend in using words that are what I call open ended – left to the receiver to decide the importance or lack there of. In fact these are now over-used and should be stamped out from and eviscerated from technical jargon and meetings. Here is a short list i would love the dear readers to send me some more:
Interesting
in·ter·est·ing (en-ter-es-sting)
def: adj: arousing curiosity or interest; holding or catching the attention.
A word that “sounds” intelligent. Is it? I contend people say it because they do not have any idea of what really to say or they are too scared to say what they are really thinking. Nowadays in this world of the information age, people get paid to think. They get paid for what they know which turns into what they do. Yet sitting there and saying “Interesting” doesn’t do me a damn thing other than waste mine and other people’s time. If you are going to say something – say it. Otherwise be quiet. Sorry your not holding my attention. Interesting isn’t it
Scenario
scen-ar-i-o [si-nair-ee-oh, -nahr-]
noun: a written outline of a movie, novel, or stage work giving details of the plot and individual scenes.
I LOVE this term. Note item #3 IMAGINED… well boy howdy there have been some imagined events. Strategic Scenarios sure do not materialize in money near term do they?. They are however extremely important for planning. That said SCENARIO is a term that is being used to mean “Well Really I want to sound like I know what I am doing but I don’t have a clue – really nor do I have any real ideas.”
Synergy
syn·er·gy (snr-j)
adjective: attributing to a subject something determined by observation rather than analysis of the nature of the subject and not resulting in self-contradiction if negated
Cooperation boys and girls! “Oh I see it as a Synergism between the two departments.” Decoded: I am going to take all of your projects and plans away.
or
“I see your investment synergistic to our needs.” Decoded: Please give us the money even it if means a low valuation with a 51% ownership!
Clarity
clar·i·ty (klr-t)
noun: the state of having a full, detailed, and orderly mental grasp of something
How many times have you heard this? “I just want to be CLEAR.” People also use the word transparent. This is like a human resource catch all term that basically means I have no idea why i said what i said and put the company at risk. In other uses in means I am trying to explain something that I do not understand.
Win-Win
win-win (wnwn)
adjective: advantageous or satisfactory to all parties involved
I mean really? Cmon’. There will always be a winner and a loser. Sorry you dont get a trophy, the contract or the bonus or venture capital money. See my blog on Social Darwinism and Software Development.
Woo Hoo!
Woo hoo is a common expression of joy, especially as arising from success or good fortune.
Instead of saying Hell Yea that was incredible people say it as a half assed attempt at enthusiasm in the workplace. They also use it at the end of a ski run in a very tight oppressed manner when they really want to yell.
Blog
A blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of a website
Never have liked that word. Sounds like your vomiting. Then again most people just whine and say nothing of importance. Blogging about Blogging Blogs.
So here we go: I want to create an Scenario that is Interesting with Synergy that is Clear and creates a Win Win for everyone they can Blog about. Woo Hoo!
Until Then,
Go Big Or Go Home.
You’ve highlighted some of my most hated tech world words. Here’s one for you:
Resonate
v. res·o·nat·ed, res·o·nat·ing, res·o·nates
v.intr.
1. To exhibit or produce resonance or resonant effects.
2. To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief: “It is a demonology [that] seems to resonate among secular and religious voters alike” (Tamar Jacoby).
3. To correspond closely or harmoniously: “Symbolism matters, especially if the symbols resonate with the larger message” (William Greider).
This is a beautiful word when used to describe the acoustics of an auditorium. When used by individuals in a tech meeting it means they have no idea what you’re talking about but they want to sound intelligent while they piss on your project. It is most commonly used by TV or Hollywood transplants to the tech industry who wear bright colored glasses as accessories.
You’ve highlighted some of my most hated tech world words. Here’s one for you:
Resonate
v. res·o·nat·ed, res·o·nat·ing, res·o·nates
v.intr.
1. To exhibit or produce resonance or resonant effects.
2. To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief: “It is a demonology [that] seems to resonate among secular and religious voters alike” (Tamar Jacoby).
3. To correspond closely or harmoniously: “Symbolism matters, especially if the symbols resonate with the larger message” (William Greider).
This is a beautiful word when used to describe the acoustics of an auditorium. When used by individuals in a tech meeting it means they have no idea what you’re talking about but they want to sound intelligent while they piss on your project. It is most commonly used by TV or Hollywood transplants to the tech industry who wear bright colored glasses as accessories.
[…] Posts Words That Do Not Mean AnythingIn Memoriam – Steven Swenson March 13, 1967 – September 11, 2005Social Darwinism and Software […]
[…] Posts Words That Do Not Mean AnythingIn Memoriam – Steven Swenson March 13, 1967 – September 11, 2005Social Darwinism and Software […]