Definition
Buzz words are slang words or phrases used predominantly within a specific group, often imbuing ordinary terms with an impressive, albeit sometimes ambiguous, meaning to outsiders. Over time, if these terms are widely adopted and their meanings become clear, they may evolve into standard English.
Examples include:
- Bottom Line: Refers to the most crucial or fundamental aspect of a situation.
- Comes with the Territory: Indicates that certain circumstances are to be expected as part of a particular role or situation.
- Ripoff: Describes something overpriced or of inferior quality.
- Run it up the Flagpole: Suggests testing an idea to gauge acceptance or feedback.
Examples
Bottom Line
- In a financial discussion, “What’s the bottom line?” often means, “What is the net profit or loss?”
Comes with the Territory
- In project management, one might say, “Dealing with client complaints comes with the territory of account management.”
Ripoff
- When shopping, a customer might exclaim, “This price is a ripoff!” indicating the item is greatly overpriced.
Run it up the Flagpole
- When brainstorming, someone might suggest, “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who salutes,” meaning to present an idea tentatively to gather opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of buzz words?
Buzz words typically originate within specific professional, social, or cultural groups as shorthand to communicate complex ideas quickly.
Can buzz words become part of formal language?
Yes, if buzz words gain enough popularity and their meanings become clear to a broader audience, they can be absorbed into the formal lexicon.
Are buzz words the same as jargon?
While buzz words and jargon both serve as specialized language, jargon tends to be more precise and technical, whereas buzz words can be more catchy and impressionistic.
Why do people use buzz words?
People use buzz words to create a sense of belonging within a group, to convey ideas quickly, and sometimes to impress or persuade an audience.
Can buzz words be confusing?
Yes, buzz words can be confusing to those not familiar with them, often leading to misunderstandings if the terms are not clearly explained.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Jargon: Specialized terminology associated with a particular field or area of activity.
- Slang: Informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker’s language.
- Idioms: Phrases where the meaning is not directly deducible from the individual words (“kick the bucket” means “to die”).
- Neologism: A newly coined word or expression that may start as a buzz word.
- Euphemism: A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
Online References
- Investopedia on Jargon
- Wikipedia: Glossary of Business and Management Terms
- Merriam-Webster Definitions
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Buzzword Dictionary: 1,000 Phrases Translated from Pompous to English” by John Walston
- “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- “Jargon: Investigating the Everyday Language of Professionals” by Russell Hurst
Fundamentals of Buzz Words: Communications Basics Quiz
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