The most annoying expressions...

The only expression that I really cannot stand is "innit".  Drives. me. crazy.

"heads up" and "touch base" really irritate me

I don't like those either. A lot of corporate-speak really annoys me. Using "action" as a verb, for instance. Grrr...

But probably my least favourite of all is when people say they're giving 110%. THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!! 

But probably my least favourite of all is when people say they're giving 110%. THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!! 

Oh, I have to agree with that.  And when you watch as much football as I do, with all those post match interviews, it is heard a lot!

The management speak that drives me mad is 'touch base' and 'hit the ground running'.  Close is 'think outside the box' and 'push the envelope'.

The footy classic of 'strength in depth' gets an ironic cheer these days....especially when said by Hansen on 'Football Focus'.

(not sure if that last sentence made any sense to most, sorry!).


Vicky

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but it drives me batty when people qualify superlatives.  Specifically, the word 'unique'.  Something can't be more unique or very unique.  Either it is unique, or is isn't!!

Close is 'think outside the box' and 'push the envelope'.

Seconded.  All corporatespeak should be banned from the English language.

My most-hated corporatespeak term is "incentivize".

But don't you need to incentivize your human resources to grow your business?  Maybe we lack synergy.. let's touch base on that.

Don't forget about re-framing your paradigm! 

I hate corporate-speak, and psychology-speak!

The only expression that I really cannot stand is "innit".  Drives. me. crazy.

How could I have forgotten that one?!  Hate it!

My most-hated corporatespeak term is "incentivize".

People actually say that?  With a straight face? Oh, I would find it very difficult indeed to not roll my eyes in response.

I keep waiting for one of my favorites to show up on someone's list: duck!  As in "ey up, mi duck," not as in "there's a cannonball coming this way, you should duck."  I don't say it myself, but I was terribly excited the first time someone here called me duck.  Is it just a Derbyshire thing?  Google seems to say East Midlands, though I've never heard it said in Notts/Leicester/etc.  I still find it strangely endearing, even though I hear it almost daily from all postmen and most cashiers.  I guess the charm hasn't worn off yet.

"Concertize"

Play music.  Perform.  But please don't concertize.

"Concertize"

I've never heard that!! Is that real!??!

I've never heard that!! Is that real!??!

Sadly yes.  I've read it in the liner notes of classical Cd's and on programs (even British ones) as in "XXX has concertized widely..."  It doesn't even come up as a mistake on spell checker so it must be accepted by some people at least.  Not by me.

People actually say that?  With a straight face? Oh, I would find it very difficult indeed to not roll my eyes in response.

I've only seen it in print, really. Thankfully, as I'd definitely have trouble not rolling my eyes!

"Concertize"

Play music.  Perform.  But please don't concertize.

That's even worse.

Sadly yes.  I've read it in the liner notes of classical Cd's and on programs (even British ones) as in "XXX has concertized widely..."  It doesn't even come up as a mistake on spell checker so it must be accepted by some people at least.  Not by me.

That may be the worst abuse of our language I've ever seen!

My least favourite corporate expression: "It is what it is". WTF? Doesn't make a damn bit of sense and it's just a stupid expression just to fill empty space (or when your supervisor is a complete moron and just doesn't know what else to say!

I totally forgot! I can't stand it when instead of thanking you people say "that's a good girl".  UGH!