---
title: Don’t Make Me Cringe
description: Eliminate cringe-worthy business jargon from your writing and you’ll connect better with your readers. WordRake can help. It runs in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
image: https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/despaired-g5539774a5_1920.jpg
---

#### WordRake is joining BriefCatch.

 Discover how BriefCatch Next builds on WordRake’s trusted editing technology — and what this means for WordRake customers. 

[Learn about the transition →](https://www.briefcatch.com/wordrake)

[![logo](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png?width=285&height=18&name=logo.png)](https://www.wordrake.com/)

Edit for brevity & simplicity in Microsoft Word & Outlook

- [Buy](https://www.wordrake.com/writing-improvement-software-buy)
- [Software](https://www.wordrake.com/software)
- [About](https://www.wordrake.com/editing-software-for-writing-professionals)
- [Reviews](https://www.wordrake.com/reviews)
- [Writing Tips](https://www.wordrake.com/writing-tips/writing-tips-listing-page)
- [Resources](https://www.wordrake.com/resources)
- [Support](https://www.wordrake.com/editing-software-help)

# Don’t Make Me Cringe

![](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/despaired-g5539774a5_1920.jpg)

## Let's Talk About Business Jargon

Business jargon, also known as business-speak or corporate jargon, is rampant in the workplace. While you may think you’re reinforcing your insider status or using a fun turn-of-phrase to efficiently make your point, you may be perpetuating harmful stereotypes and otherwise diminishing your message. So here’s the rule about how and when to use tacky jargon to improve your communication: Don’t use it.

## What’s Wrong with Business Jargon?

Terms like *open the kimono* and other business jargon are offensive, hackneyed, imprecise, and inspiring of great loathing. We regard business jargon derisively because it's speaking obliquely while using irritating or horrifying phrases: Vaguely aggressive, exploitative things like *one throat to choke;* bureaucratic imprecisions like *learnings;* psychobabble terms like *core competency;* or sinister euphemisms like *human capital*.

This is language deceptively streamlined to broadcast that everyone involved is so burdened by screaming time pressure that they don’t have time to communicate precise ideas in complete sentences. And in corporate-land, that’s a virtue.

Why do people adopt business jargon? Mostly because it gives employees a common tongue that helps create the illusion of a familial relationship or a team connection to compensate for the fact that many companies treat employees as replaceable. Hence the development of the term *human resources*.

## What to Do Instead

Speak directly, precisely, and without weird terminology. If someone asks why you want Acme Widget Corporation to provide widgets, tell them that’s because their widgets are durable and cost-effective, not that widgets are Acme’s *core competency*, which communicates absolutely no data. To communicate more effectively:

- Use precise words, not jargon
- Be direct and say what you mean

## The easiest way for writers to create more precise and highly polished writing.

- No credit card needed to get started.
- No more agonizing over your writing.

[![Start your free trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3365575/35aee64f-a9b1-45c6-9951-2300864a7235.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3365575/35aee64f-a9b1-45c6-9951-2300864a7235)

![businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Version%205.0%20Realistic%20Mockups/businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template.png?width=1920&height=1440&name=businesswoman-on-pc-desktop-mockup-template.png)

## Cut the Clichés

It’s undeniable: business jargon and racist and gendered clichés can make people feel alienated, uncomfortable, and disrespected. You’ll connect better with peers and clients when your speaking and writing does *not* include violent, racist, exclusionary, and confusing clichés.

Now that you know the problem, how do you improve? Relearning writing habits takes time and practice. It’s a process of correcting yourself (or being corrected!) again and again until you replace the old habit with a new one. WordRake can help you catch and correct your errors.

Here are some examples of clichés that WordRake changes to their literal meanings, helping you avoid miscommunicating with, alienating, or offending readers:

**Business Jargon**

What they brought to the table **offered** was a fresh perspective and a readiness to innovate.

There are just so many moving parts **It is so complicated**.

When push comes to shove **Ultimately**, we’re willing to compromise on several points.

**Racist Idioms**

I felt gypped **cheated** by the smooth-talking salesman.

The project manager opened the kimono **revealed the process** to the client, explaining potential challenges and strategies.

They consulted May Walsh, a guru **an expert** on public parks and green spaces.

**Gendered Terms**

The program streamlines the process for launching manned **crewed** and unmanned **uncrewed** spacecraft.

Mankind Humankind must think about what kind of world they want to leave for future generations.

Cashiers are manning staffing the ticket booth until one hour before the zoo closes.

Choosing the right words in your writing takes work. [WordRake can help](https://www.wordrake.com/). The software works in Microsoft Word and Outlook, offering track-changes edit suggestions to improve brevity and simplicity, including cutting jargon and clichés from your writing. It’s the perfect way to get impartial feedback on word choice before you share your document or email with others. Read more about business jargon to avoid in this [Writing Tip](https://www.wordrake.com/writing-tips/dear-justifiably-homicidal).

## Conclusion

Great communication is key to building your professional relationships and reputation. Boost your career (and integrity) by being mindful about your word choice and cutting out business jargon and clichés—it’s distasteful and can hinder communication. Now is the time to practice weeding out jargon from your writing. WordRake editing software is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit that helps you achieve direct, concise writing so your meaning is clear and professional. Get started cleaning up your writing habits—[try WordRake free for 7 days](https://www.wordrake.com/trial).

## The easiest way for writers to create more precise and highly polished writing.

[![Start your free trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3365575/35aee64f-a9b1-45c6-9951-2300864a7235.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3365575/35aee64f-a9b1-45c6-9951-2300864a7235)

- No credit card needed to get started.
- No more agonizing over your writing.

[Journalist Q&A with Jesse Katz](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/interview-jesse-katz)

[Journalist Q&A with Bob Ambrogi](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/interview-bob-ambrogi)

- <https://www.facebook.com/WordRake>
- <https://twitter.com/wordrake>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/wordrake>

### [Improve Your Writing with WordRake Try this revolutionary editing software free for 7 days. Now available for Mac or Windows.](https://www.wordrake.com/)

[Try Free for 7 Days](https://www.wordrake.com/trial/)

### Related Posts

[![8_secrets](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/8_secrets.png)](https://www.wordrake.com/8_secrets)

[8 Secrets to Writing Clearly & Concisely](https://www.wordrake.com/8_secrets)

[![Jargon](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/Jargon.png)](https://www.wordrake.com/blog/is-your-jargon-justified)

[Is Your Jargon Justified?](https://www.wordrake.com/blog/is-your-jargon-justified)

### Learn More

[An Interview with Managing Editor Craig Clarke](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/interview-with-managing-editor-craig-clarke)

[An Interview with Nonfiction Book Coach Anne Janzer](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/an-interview-with-nonfiction-book-coach-anne-janzer)

[An Interview with Medical Writing Consultant Crystal Herron](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/interview-with-medical-writing-consultant-crystal-herron)

[Roy G. Taylor, Ph.D.: A Law Enforcement Expert Witness Interview](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/roy-g-taylor-law-enforcement-expert-witness-interview)

[Douglas Seemann, BCE: An Interview with an Entomology Expert Witness](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/douglas-seemann-interview-entomology-expert-witness)

[Thomas J. Zaydon, MD, FACS: A Plastic Surgery Expert Witness Interview](https://www.wordrake.com/resources/dr-thomas-j-zaydon-plastic-surgery-expert-witness-interview)

**[See All Posts](https://www.wordrake.com/article-listings)**

Search this site on Google

Search Google

### Our Story

![demo_poster_play](https://www.wordrake.com/hs-fs/hubfs/demo_poster_play.png?width=260&height=120&name=demo_poster_play.png)

WordRake founder Gary Kinder has taught over 1,000 writing programs for AMLAW 100 firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies. He’s also a *New York Times* bestselling author. As a writing expert and coach, Gary was inspired to create WordRake when he noticed a pattern in writing errors that he thought he could address with technology.

In 2012, Gary and his team of engineers created WordRake editing software to help writers produce clear, concise, and effective prose. It runs in Microsoft Word and Outlook, and its suggested changes appear in the familiar track-changes style. It saves time and gives confidence. Writing and editing has never been easier.

×

 

 © 2026 WordRake, LLC. 8415 154th Avenue NE,  Suite 200, Redmond, WA 98052. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.wordrake.com/privacy) *|* [Technology](https://www.wordrake.com/patents) *|* [Contact](https://www.wordrake.com/contact)

[![WordRake Facebook](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/Wordrake%20December2017%20/Images/Facebook.gif)](https://www.facebook.com/WordRake) [![WordRake Twitter](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/Wordrake%20December2017%20/Images/Twitter.gif)](https://twitter.com/wordrake) [![WordRake LinkedIn](https://www.wordrake.com/hubfs/Wordrake%20December2017%20/Images/Linkedin.gif)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wordrake)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "VideoObject",
  "contentUrl" : "https://3365575.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3365575/Welcome%20to%20WordRake%20version%204%20Update.mp4",
  "dateModified" : "2023-02-28T20:57:47.767Z",
  "duration" : "PT36S",
  "height" : 720,
  "name" : "Welcome to WordRake version 4 Update",
  "thumbnailUrl" : "https://api-na1.hubapi.com/filemanager/api/v3/files/thumbnail-redirect/104531789470?portalId=3365575&size=medium",
  "uploadDate" : "2023-02-28T20:57:38.821Z",
  "width" : 1280
}
```