I do find "work speak" a bit bizarre. What is it about the office environment that makes people talk like tools?

Here are ten words and expressions that I’d rather not hear:

1. With all due respect. As soon as I hear these words I know I am about to be insulted, with absolutely no respect for my feelings at all.

2. Groundbreaking research. Why is nearly all research described this way? How often are research findings even surprising? I also hate the over use of the word “revolutionary“.

3. Literally. Aaargh. When will people stop misusing this word? Hearing it literally makes me a bit irritated. But it doesn’t literally make my blood boil.

4. Simples. Okay, the days of quoting a certain meerkat are long over.

5. It’s not rocket science. How often do you hear PR described this way? Too bloody often! Of course PR isn’t rocket science or brain surgery, but that doesn’t mean it’s a “walk in the park” either.

6. Proactive. I don’t know why I hate this word, but it’s probably because I use it too much myself and can’t think of a better alternative.

7. Outside the box. Clients always want us to think this way, what is wrong with the word “creative“? Wish I could put them in a damn box sometimes. And don’t get me started about “blue-sky thinking”.

8. My bad. And other expressions best left to teenagers. It doesn’t make you look young and cool, quite the opposite.

9. Leverage. If this word doesn’t appear in a client brief, I cheer.

10. I’m on it. This phrase is annoying because my colleagues who use it are always the ones who never deliver.