The modern workplace is rife with its own unique language – office jargon. While these buzzwords and phrases might sound impressive in meetings, they can often leave you scratching your head or stifling a chuckle.

Let’s decode some of the funniest office jargon and translate them into real-life situations!

1. Office Jargon: “Synergy” Translation: “We hope everyone can get along.”

When someone talks about “synergy,” they’re usually hoping that teams can collaborate effectively. In reality, it’s like wishing for a harmonious family gathering during the holidays – it doesn’t always happen, but we’re hopeful!

2. Office Jargon: “Low-Hanging Fruit” Translation: “Easy wins”

Picking the “low-hanging fruit” means going for the easiest tasks first. It’s like grabbing the donut from the break room before someone else does – quick and satisfying.

3. Office Jargon: “Think Outside the Box” Translation: “Be creative”

Telling someone to “think outside the box” is like saying, “Don’t be boring, come up with something original!” It’s a reminder that innovation often happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

4. Office Jargon: “Action Item” Translation: “Task”

An “action item” might sound like a top-secret mission, but it’s just another way of saying “task.” It’s what you scribble down on your to-do list to remind yourself to buy more coffee filters.

5. Office Jargon: “Circle Back” Translation: “Let’s talk about it later”

When someone suggests we “circle back” on a topic, it usually means they want to avoid a lengthy discussion right now. It’s like saying, “Let’s save this debate for when we’re not in a rush.”

6. Office Jargon: “Drill Down” Translation: “Get into the details”

When you’re asked to “drill down” into something, it means you need to dive deep into the nitty-gritty details. It’s like being handed a magnifying glass to examine every pixel of a digital image.

7. Office Jargon: “Ping” Translation: “Send a message”

“Pinging” someone sounds like you’re using sonar to locate a submarine. In reality, it’s just sending them a quick message, like a digital “hello.”

8. Office Jargon: “Take It Offline” Translation: “Let’s discuss this privately”

When someone suggests taking a discussion “offline,” it means they want to avoid a potentially embarrassing or contentious conversation in front of a larger group. It’s like saying, “Let’s not air our dirty laundry in public.”

9. Office Jargon: “Boil the Ocean” Translation: “An impossible task”

Trying to “boil the ocean” would be an absurd and impossible endeavor. When used in the office, it’s a humorous way to say that a task is unreasonably challenging.

10 Office Jargon: “SWOT Analysis” Translation: “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats”

A “SWOT analysis” is often a fancy way to say, “Let’s examine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.” It’s like putting on your detective hat to solve the mystery of your business’s future.

Office jargon can be amusing and, at times, bewildering. While it may occasionally make us want to roll our eyes, it’s a part of the corporate culture.

Embracing these phrases with a sense of humor can make the workplace a bit more enjoyable and the jargon a little less cryptic. So, next time someone mentions “synergy,” you can nod along knowingly, while trying to stifle that smile!

Contact us today for your risk-free, obligation free consultation!

To learn more about outsourcing, you can read our Top 8 Qualities of an Outsourcing Company in the Philippines article.

We invite you to follow us on social media and to visit our website to learn more about Sourcefit – your outsourcing partner.

About Us

Sourcefit – your preferred accounting service provider – is a widely recognized US-managed business process outsourcing company based in Manila, Philippines. We proudly serve over 100 clients with a workforce of more than 1,300 employees. Our global centers can serve multiple markets, and our staff is highly proficient in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Whether you need a few or many employees, we can help you achieve your business goals and build high-quality offshore teams.

Latest Awards

Sourcefit’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous industry awards and certifications.

We recently received the Fortress Cyber Security Award from the Business Intelligence Group. Sourcefit was also honored with the prestigious recognition of Best Outsourcing Solutions Provider in the Philippines during the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

Other awards include: FT ranking of 500 high-growth Asia-Pacific, The Marketing Excellence Awards, Inquirer Growth Champion,  HR Asia Awards, among others.

Related Articles

The Sourcefit Approach: Crafting world-class outsourcing talent
Navigating change management: the key to successful outsourcing
The Future of Global Outsourcing: Trends and Predictions for 2023 and Beyond
Top 5 Industries for Outsourcing Software Projects
The Ultimate Guide to IT Outsourcing
Sourcefit Top Ten: Tips for effective remote team management

Not sure where to start? Connect with us and see how Sourcefit can help you grow your business.