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, plural -nar·i·os.

 

1. an outline of the plot of a dramatic work, giving particularsas to the scenes, characters, situations, etc.
2. the outline or the manuscript of a motion picture or television program, giving the action in the order in which it takes place, the description of scenes and characters, etc.
3. an imagined or projected sequence of events, esp. any of several detailed plans or possibilities: One scenario calls for doubling profits by increasing our advertising, the other by reducing costs.

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)

n. pl. syn·er·gies

 

1. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
2. Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect.

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)

n.

 

1. Clearness of appearance: the clarity of the mountain air.
2. Clearness of thought or style; lucidity: writes with clarity and perception.

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)

adj.

 

Of or being a situation in which the outcome benefits each of two often opposing groups: a win-win proposition for the buyer and the seller.

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

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.

4 comments on “Words That Do Not Mean Anything

  • Jane

    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.

  • Jane

    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 […]

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