Readers circle back on corporate jargon
Readers circle back on corporate jargon
Plus: The news of the week — City attorney faces ouster; CMS enrollment remains stable; Remembering a beloved UNC Charlotte music director; Hot furniture trends in High Point
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📭 Ledger mailbag: From 'synergy' to 'deep dive,' readers share their frustrations about the language of the workplace
Two weeks ago, The Ledger published an article about the maddening culture of corporate jargon, and readers immediately flooded our in-boxes with their own tales of woe.
From creative critiques and clever rephrasing to scathing indictments of “contrived, idiotic vernacular,” writer Page Leggett’s humorous take on buzzwords and bureaucracy certainly struck a chord.
Here’s a sampling of readers’ notes about the piece:
“You and I are fighting a losing battle, except that, as with all language, it will change and hopefully one day go away. Even around 30 years ago, when I served on our community hospital’s board in Texas, I was taken aback when our ‘managed care’ SVP started talking about ‘taking a deep dive’ into something. I had no idea what she was referring to. And another corporate survivor friend loves ‘getting granular,’ which I suppose is about the same thing.” —George Bohmfalk, M.D.
“Lemmie guess......Bank of America???” —Kathleen H. Dooley, Esq.
“I try hard not to be the ‘get off my yard’ guy, as that is a sickness afflicting everyone over age 50. But PR-speak and jargon, combined with the general collapse in writing skills, are a lethal, unhealthy combination.” —David Mildenberg
“Skip level meeting request: Page, we need to talk, so you will consider the optics of these anti-corporate jargon articles you write.” —Brandon Uttley
“I’ve waged a futile battle on such words as ‘solutions’ and ‘space’ (as in ‘he dabbles in the finsol space’) for some time now. ‘Solutions’ are products or services and ‘space’ is an area, market or industry, depending on the context. I agree that these terms are the brainchildren of consultants who have to justify their ‘solutions’ to clients. Just based on my experience, I think the ‘finserve’ industry is the most guilty for promulgating these hollow words.” —Paul J. Peralta
Do corporate buzzwords make you want to run for the land of clear writing and simple speech? If so, you’re in good company among Ledger readers.
“Corporate jargon is designed to confuse and isolate. It’s a bunch of smoke and mirrors to distract from the gross incompetence of many corporate leaders.
I’m retired now, and don’t miss the days of spending hours on stupid ‘four-blockers’ for some executive who insists every slide is 6-point font so as many buzzwords as possible can be crammed in.” —Michelle Magnasco
“‘Synergy.’ Just, no. Love this article! Nicely done, Page!” —Lauren Sawyers
“All your jargon was spot on! I’m in internal communications working for a global company. I hear ‘once we peel back the onion…’ daily! —Terri Marascio
“Worst corporate stooge speak: When one combines two or more in a comment with confidence, that’s the worst. As in ‘wanted to circle back and touch base.’ I want to hang up on those people.” —Sean P. Smith
“We used to joke in the newsroom about cops saying ‘the perpetrator perpetrated…’ I absolutely hated saying on the air: ‘He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.’ I would always change it to ‘He was hurt, but he’s going to be OK.’” —Kim Brattain
“‘Utilize’ instead of ‘use.’” —Margaret Weeks
“‘Preventative’ instead of ‘preventive.’” —Ruth Grissom
“A few to add: Do you have enough runway, stacking hands (which I particularly do not like), long pole in the tent, and the proverbial need to start meetings with an uplift.” —Bill Rhyne
➡️ Read the original article on corporate jargon.
Today’s supporting sponsor is Trinity Episcopal School. Trinity Episcopal School is marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Trinity offers a unique K-8 curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, curiosity about the world around us, and service to the community. Learn more about the admission process for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at www.tescharlotte.org.
This week in Charlotte: More hospitals cancel medical debt; Early voting ends today; City settles police shooting lawsuit; Charlotte Knights attendance drops
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
CMS enrollment stays flat district-wide: (Ledger) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools enrollment remained stable this year, with 141,700 students, a 0.6% increase from last year’s 140,836. This stability follows enrollment declines during the pandemic. CMS remains below its 2017-2018 peak of over 147,000 students.
Politics
Charlotte’s city attorney about to be ousted: (Ledger) The Charlotte City Council appears to be working to remove City Attorney Patrick Baker, who has been with the city since 2019. (WFAE) His employment contract calls for a payout if he is fired.
Early voting ends today: Today is the last day of early voting before Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Check out The Charlotte Ledger’s Election Hub to learn more about what’s on your ballot.
Local news
City settles 2017 police shooting lawsuit: (Ledger) The City of Charlotte has settled a lawsuit related to the 2017 police shooting of Ruben Galindo, a high-profile case that critics said resulted from officers shooting too quickly but that the city said was reasonable.
More hospitals cancel medical debt: (Ledger/NC Health News) Five hospitals responsible for most medical debt lawsuits in North Carolina have committed to erasing outstanding judgments against patients. Led by Atrium Health, with CaroMont Health, Mission Health, Sampson Regional and Community Health Systems following, this move affects nearly 6,000 lawsuits filed from 2017 to 2022.
Chief sheriff’s deputy resigns with scathing letter: (WCNC) Kevin Canty, a chief deputy to Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, resigned from the agency with a letter that accused McFadden of running a “third-world dictatorship” and accused McFadden of abuse of power, unprofessionalism and racism.
Business
Vanguard dishes on Centene purchase: (Ledger) Vanguard executives gave new details on their company’s big purchase of Centene’s abandoned campus in University City at a recent meeting of University City Partners. The move is expected by fall 2025.
Crate & Barrel on the move?: (Ledger) Crate & Barrel may relocate from its current SouthPark Mall spot to a nearby location, insiders say.
Sports
Charlotte FC victory: Charlotte FC won its first-ever home playoff game on Friday night, evening the best-of-three series against Orlando City at 1-1. The two teams will play in Orlando on Nov. 9, with the winner advancing to the next round.
Charlotte Knights attendance drops: (Biz Journal, subscriber-only) The Charlotte Knights saw a second consecutive drop in attendance for 2024, with an 8% decline, but achieved a 7% increase in revenue through higher day-of-game ticket sales, expanded concessions, sponsorships and the growth of the holiday festival, “Light the Knights.”
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Monday
Council minutes complete through 2022: Charlotte City Council was set to approve meeting minutes covering through January 2023, reducing its backlog to 22 months. Previously, the council was over 24 months behind, the longest delay among Mecklenburg governments.
Plus: American tests tech that stops people from boarding too early; Pineville Toys ‘R’ Us becomes a movie set; Toppman reviews the play '1984'
Wednesday (🔒)
4 hot home furnishing trends: The fall furniture market in High Point showcased home decor trends, including cordless tabletop lamps, creative clay decor in both earthy and whimsical designs, reimagined traditional furniture with a minimalist feel and raffia-wrapped furniture pieces adding texture with natural, beachy aesthetics.
Friday (🔒)
Paul Schadt is hanging up the headphones: Charlotte’s longtime country radio personality Paul Schadt, 64, announced he will retire in February after over 36 years on the air. Schadt’s career, from his start at WSOC to his time at WKKT, featured interviews with country legends like Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift, as well as NASCAR icons like Dale Earnhardt.
Mountain Updates
Sunday: ‘Concert for Carolina’ raised over $24.5M; Death total rises to 98; Video shows North Fork Reservoir spillways preventing ‘catastrophic’ flooding; Nonprofit begins river cleanup
Tuesday: Checking in on mountain Christmas traditions; Candlelight vigil in Asheville honors victims; More towns reopen to tourists; 2nd round of chemical treatment at reservoir; Concert food drive collects over 3 tons
Friday: Full water restoration is weeks away; Missing person count decreases; About 1,600 customers without power; More Blue Ridge Parkway sections open; Bear activity expected to increase; ‘Miracle cat’ returns home
Ways of Life (🔒)
Shamou Amoui, a beloved UNC Charlotte music director for the dance department, passed away in September at 64. Originally from Iran, Shamou's career included collaborations with prestigious groups like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Recapping the week’s Charlotte FC news: advancing Friday’s home playoff, coach sounds off on officiating, reviewing the loss against Orlando.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman