Jargon Sucks. If You Disagree, You’re Lying.
Yet, corporate lingo continues to plague workplaces everywhere. Business buzzwords have become the default language of boardrooms, team meetings, and even emails. But here’s the problem: they don’t make communication better—they make it worse.
When we say not to use jargon, we’re not advocating leaving out necessary technical terms, but we are saying to make sure your language is as clear as possible. Technical language is precise terminology used within a specific field to convey clear and necessary information—think medical terms in healthcare or coding languages in software development. Jargon, on the other hand, consists of vague, overused buzzwords that often obscure meaning rather than enhance understanding.
Start disrupting the competition with a sustainable growth engine that leverages core competencies, ensuring a robust roadmap for scalable success. Get it? Neither do most people. Jargon like this fills meetings, emails, and advertising, making messages unclear and exhausting to decipher for your employees and clients.
Why Corporate Jargon Is Bad for Business
Jargon is often used to sound more professional or intelligent, but it usually does the opposite. Instead of making your message clearer, it muddies the water. The Columbia Business Journal calls it Performative Professionalism. “In other words, when people are feeling insecure about their status, they rely on jargon as a flashy sign to convey higher standing, the same way one might wear a fancy watch or drive an expensive car.”
Eventually, buzzwords become a substitute for authenticity.
Here’s why business jargon is a communication killer:
1. It’s Vague and Meaningless
When was the last time “leveraging synergy” actually solved a problem? Probably never. Corporate jargon often replaces clear, direct communication. Employees and customers alike are left trying to decode what you actually mean.
2. It Creates Confusion
If your message needs translation, it’s not effective. Office slang and business buzzwords often require employees (especially new hires) to learn an entirely new, unnecessary vocabulary, slowing down communication and productivity.
3. It Can Be Isolating
Jargon-heavy communication creates an “in-group” and an “out-group.” If your audience isn’t familiar with the terms, they may feel excluded or disconnected.
4. It’s Often Used to Avoid Responsibility
“Let’s circle back on that” often means “I don’t want to deal with this right now.” Jargon can be a way to sound professional while skirting accountability or clarity. Instead of directly addressing issues, business lingo is used to dance around them.
How to Fix It: Ditch the Jargon and Speak Clearly
Want to improve communication in your business? Start with one simple rule: Say what you mean.
1. Call Out Your Own Jargon
Start internally. Identify the business buzzwords your team overuses and create a running list. Add it to your brand style guide so everyone knows which words to avoid—and provide clearer alternatives.
Positive Jargon: Scoutisms
At Seventh Scout, we’re not immune to jargon ourselves! In fact, we’ve even developed our own internal lingo—what we like to call “Scoutisms.” These phrases, born from inside jokes, shared experiences, and the unique personalities of our team, add character to our culture rather than confusion. While we sometimes slip into traditional business jargon (hey, it happens), our goal is always to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and a little bit of fun.
2. Pay Attention to How You Speak
Jargon isn’t just a writing problem—it’s a speaking problem too. The real disconnect happens when we trade natural, human conversation for overcomplicated, corporate-sounding fluff. If a phrase wouldn’t make sense at a backyard BBQ, it probably doesn’t belong in your next presentation.
3. Use Simple, Engaging Language
People connect with clarity, not complexity. For example, your business is not “the leading multichannel retailer of golf products, equipment, and services.” It’s “a candy store for golfers.” The message goes from forgettable to engaging—because it makes people instantly understand and curious.
4. Cut the Made-Up Words
If the word isn’t in the dictionary, it probably doesn’t belong in your vocabulary. No one needs to hear about “bouncebackability” or “recontextualizing synergies.” Stick to real words that actually mean something.
5. Use Stories and Examples
Nothing explains a concept better than a good story. Show how someone’s life actually changed because of your product or service. Stories make abstract ideas real—and that’s what great communication is all about.
The Bottom Line
Corporate jargon is more than just an annoyance—it actively harms communication. Whether you’re a leader, a marketer, or just someone tired of wading through business buzzwords, the solution is simple: Never use a fancy word when a simple one will do. Your employees, customers, and colleagues will thank you.
