Mumbai: 
Using too many of those cliched corporate lingo lately? More than being "cool", you might just come across as a fool, suggests a list of top ten annoying office phrases brought out by the University of Oxford. iTALK breaks it down
If you thought throwing around jaded ol' jargon could earn you brownie points at work, you're sadly mistaken. In fact, it could be "getting on the nerves" of your boss and colleagues, so get rid of them "ASAP". The University of Oxford's new list of Top 10 Most Irritating Expressions in the English language should inspire.
KISS the jargon goodbye, says the expert
Jaspreet Alagh, Director of Core Excellence Corporate Training
The only solution to effective communication without such fundu lingo is to keep it simple. For instance, why say you'll call back later when you know you won't? Just make do with a "I'm busy right now, please call not before an hour", or politely say you aren't interested. Unnecessary words raise false hopes and reduce your own credibility," says Jaspreet Alagh. "The use of technical jargon should be restricted to people in your own industry. It is very irritating when an IT executive speaks his lingo with a salesperson," she adds. Sometimes, however, a tiresome phrase makes sense, feels the specialist. "It often cuts across language baggage and sums things up, but don't use it sparingly."
These pros say alvida to...
Ten professionals tell iTalk that lingual show-sha spells stupidity, and jot down the tiresome terminology used in their respective workplaces
Vikrant Mudaliar Associate vice president, Tata Sky
"Touch base" is a classic example, because it's convoluted and indirect, and mostly, none of the parties live up to it. Once, I overheard a senior saying it incorrectly "I will touch your base next week," he said to a lady! I couldn't help laugh out loud.
Saurabh Srivastava Group product manager, Good Year Tyres
"Very innovative". Everything is labelled as innovative these days, whether or not the user understands the true meaning of the word. "Let's brainstorm" is another one. Most often, it practically translates into wastage of productive time.
Alpana Gujral Jewellery designer
"Designer collection" is the most abused phrase I've come across. Nowadays, everything seems to qualify for that!
Devi Cherian Columnist-socialite
"Hum dekhenge" or "we'll look into it". It's one of the oft-used phrases with politicians, dishing it out at any given instance.
Sanjay Sharma Senior JK Tyre employee
"As per our telecon" and "the deadline was yesterday".
Gayatri Bhuddha Executive, Makemytrip.com
"Needless to say". Why are you saying it at all, then?
Sonia Quadros Marketing manager, Samsung
"FYR For your requirement". All of us are here for a purpose, isn't coordination but obvious?
Nagaraj Hubli Web technologist
"I know that" is what upsets me the most. It's often used by those who don't have a clue about what you're talking about, and don't want to listen either.
Hiranva Chakravorty Marketing consultant
"ASAP." Everybody believes they can get results at the snap of a finger. It's an overused term.
Sudhit Bansal Employee at Pepsi Foods
"I am jammed". "I have ten things to do". "I have to hang up." These phrases totally rattle me.
The top ten files
According to the study, the award for the most overused and abused gobbledygook goes to:
1. At the end of the day
2. Fairly unique
3. I personally
4. At this moment in time
5. With all due respect
6. Absolutely
7. It's a nightmare
8. Shouldn't of
9. 24/7
10. It's not rocket science
The list appears in a new book, Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, by Oxford scholar Jeremy Butterfield.
