I had a career in the medical field where jargon also infiltrated. I didn't mind that much when talking to colleagues, but what got me was when people used it with patients. Who often just stared (scared!) in a confused state.
Another thing I always wonder is about the word "use" vs "utilize." When I was growing up & through much of my adult years, "utilized" was never used (utilized!). I still always say "use." Why this change now, everyone says "utilize" & it sounds to me like it's sort of a pretentious change.
I think it's a bit pretentious too - like it's trying to put a 'nice' spin on something basic and direct. It distances whatever is being used from the user. 'Utilizes' has gloves on. 'Uses' has them off.
I am guilty of using some of those "jargon" words. So I suppose that I had better think before I use the words you have mentioned. Though I often mentally ask myself what my learnings were today!
I am put off that word now! It's interesting as I also was writing yesterday and substituted other words for simpler alternatives. Thanks for the prompt to look at my words more carefully.
I'll add another word of bureaucratic jibber-jash that I came across recently: deinstitutionalization. . . and even better.... non deinstitutionalization. The first one means staying out of jail. Not sure what the second one means.
Non-deinstitutionalization wins this morning's prize for numb-nuttery! A sterling example. Thank you. I presume it means persons who don't stay out of jail. They are released and then return.
Your guess is as good as mine.
I had a career in the medical field where jargon also infiltrated. I didn't mind that much when talking to colleagues, but what got me was when people used it with patients. Who often just stared (scared!) in a confused state.
Another thing I always wonder is about the word "use" vs "utilize." When I was growing up & through much of my adult years, "utilized" was never used (utilized!). I still always say "use." Why this change now, everyone says "utilize" & it sounds to me like it's sort of a pretentious change.
I think it's a bit pretentious too - like it's trying to put a 'nice' spin on something basic and direct. It distances whatever is being used from the user. 'Utilizes' has gloves on. 'Uses' has them off.
I am guilty of using some of those "jargon" words. So I suppose that I had better think before I use the words you have mentioned. Though I often mentally ask myself what my learnings were today!
As your 'learnings' come with a smile, you'll be fine. ☺
I am put off that word now! It's interesting as I also was writing yesterday and substituted other words for simpler alternatives. Thanks for the prompt to look at my words more carefully.
Loved this post.
I'll add another word of bureaucratic jibber-jash that I came across recently: deinstitutionalization. . . and even better.... non deinstitutionalization. The first one means staying out of jail. Not sure what the second one means.
Non-deinstitutionalization wins this morning's prize for numb-nuttery! A sterling example. Thank you. I presume it means persons who don't stay out of jail. They are released and then return.
I always love your posts. I never miss to take time to read your posts. I wonder why all are not like you.
Thank you!