Creative Notes
Words, Words, Words A Compendium of Workplace Jargon, or, The Things We Say Instead of Just Saying the Thing
Agency lingo. Corporate speak. Startup slang. Call it what you will, language has always shaped the way we work. We’ve heard it in meetings, in decks, in Slack threads. It’s where “alignment” is a never-ending quest, “table stakes” have nothing to do with dinner (sadly), and “rockstars” are everywhere except on stage.
This list collects the greatest hits (and most persistent offenders). These phrases shape how we collaborate, decide, and even imagine what’s possible. Some are useful. Some are harmless. Some should probably be retired with honors. But all of them map the way we talk, and think, at work today.
Got a phrase you think belongs here? Send it along and we’ll add it to the stack!
30,000 Foot Level
Definition
A high-level view of the project.
In Action
“Let’s look at this from a 30,000-foot level before diving into details.”
Translation
We’ll keep this vague and conceptual for now.
Actionable Insights
Definition
Helpful information to inform decision.
In Action
“We need actionable insights from this data, like yesterday.”
Translation
Tell me something we can actually use, please.
Alignment
Definition
When everyone on the team agrees (or at least pretends to).
In Action
“Let’s make sure we have alignment before we proceed.”
Translation
Let’s talk for 45 more minutes to avoid future awkwardness.
Bake It In
Definition
To fully integrate an idea or feature into the project.
In Action
“Let’s bake these changes into the design before we present it.”
Translation
We’ll incorporate this so deeply that it’s like it was always there.
Bandwidth
Definition
How much time or energy we have.
In Action
“I don’t have the bandwidth to tackle this right now.”
Translation
I’m stretched thin. Let’s not add more to my plate.
Bandwidth Check
Definition
Assessing availability for a new task.
In Action
“Let’s do a bandwidth check before assigning this project.”
Translation
Please don’t overwhelm anyone, but let’s see who’s kind of available.
Big Rocks
Definition
The most important priorities in a project.
In Action
“Let’s identify the big rocks for this quarter."
Translation
What should we actually be focusing on instead?
Blue Sky Thinking
Definition
Thinking without limitations. The sky’s the limit!
In Action
“Let’s do some blue sky thinking before we dive into strategy.”
Translation
Go wild with ideas now, before we inevitably crush them.
Boil the Ocean
Definition
Trying to tackle too much at once.
In Action
“We don’t want to boil the ocean here.”
Translation
Let’s not make this harder than it has to be. Please.
Buy-In
Definition
Agreement or support from stakeholders.
In Action
“We need buy-in from the team before we commit to this crazy.”
Translation
Let’s make sure everyone’s on board or there will be trouble.
Calibrate Expectations
Definition
Align on what’s realistic.
In Action
“Let’s calibrate expectations with the client.”
Translation
Let’s make sure no one is expecting miracles here.
Circle Back
Definition
Revisit this later (because we have no answers right now).
In Action
“Great question! Who knows? Let’s circle back on that.”
Translation
I have no idea. Let’s talk about it some other time. Maybe.
Core Competency
Definition
The stuff we’re supposedly great at.
In Action
“Design is our core competency, but we do it all.”
Translation
If we mess this up, it’s on us.
Core Value
Definition
A foundational principle or belief.
In Action
"Authenticity is a core value of our brand.”
Translation
We’ll use this word a ton, so let’s hope it sticks.
Deep Dive
Definition
An in-depth exploration of a topic.
In Action
“We need to do a deep dive into the client’s needs.”
Translation
Get ready for some heavy-duty analysis (and another meeting).
Drill Down
Definition
Go deeper into the details of something.
In Action
“Can we drill down on that idea a bit more?”
Translation
Keep explaining until I understand or feel reassured.
Double-Click
Definition
Dive into the details.
In Action
"Let’s double-click on this idea and see what’s possible.”
Translation
Can we talk more so we know what we’re actually doing?
Double Down
Definition
Commit to a strategy even more than before.
In Action
“Let’s double down on our social media campaigns.”
Translation
We’re betting all our chips on this one.
Double-Click
Definition
A brief, persuasive summary delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
In Action
“Can you give me the elevator pitch for this campaign?”
Translation
Summarize this in under a minute—no jargon, just the big idea.
Empower the Team
Definition
Give the team the autonomy or tools to succeed.
In Action
“We’re here to empower the team to own the process.”
Translation
You’re on your own! Best of luck!
Fail Fast
Definition
Learn from mistakes by testing ideas quickly.
In Action
"It’s okay if this doesn’t work—we’re here to fail fast and learn.”
Translation
If this flops, we’ll spin it as a valuable learning experience.
Going to the Well
Definition
Relying on the same idea, resource, or solution multiple times.
In Action
“I know we’ve gone to the well a lot with this concept, but it works!”
Translation
We’re using this approach again because it’s safe (or we’re out of fresh ideas).
Gold Standard
Definition
The best possible example or benchmark.
In Action
“This is the gold standard for interactive design.”
Translation
If we get anywhere close to this, it’ll be impressive.
Heavy Lift
Definition
A big, often daunting task.
In Action
“Creating a whole new brand voice will be a heavy lift.”
Translation
We’re all aware this is going to be a mountain, but here we go!
Holistic Approach
Definition
An all-encompassing, big-picture view.
In Action
“We need a holistic approach to this branding project.”
Translation
Let’s make sure we’ve covered every possible angle, just in case.
In Our Wheelhouse
Definition
An area where we (claim to) excel.
In Action
“This type of digital campaign is right in our wheelhouse.”
Translation
Please let us do this. We’re actually good at it.
Low & High Touch
Definition
Levels of interaction (low touch = minimal; high touch = frequent).
In Action
“Let’s use a low-touch approach for ongoing support.”
Translation
We’ll be as involved as they’re willing to pay us to be.
Low-Hanging Fruit
Definition
The easiest thing we could do to show results.
In Action
“Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit to make some progress.”
Translation
We need a win, so let’s go for the easiest thing possible.
Make It Pop
Definition
Enhance visual impact. Somehow.
In Action
“Can we make the headline pop a bit more?”
Translation
We’re using this approach again because it’s safe (or we’re out of fresh ideas).
Mission Critical
Definition
Absolutely essential for success.
In Action
“Timely feedback is mission-critical for this project.”
Translation
If we don’t do this right, everything is gonna fall apart.
Moonshot
Definition
An ambitious idea or project that has the potential for huge impact…if it works.
In Action
“This concept is a moonshot, but it could redefine the category.”
Translation
We know this sounds unrealistic, but let’s dream big (and pray for more budget).
Move Fast & Break Things
Definition
Embrace speed, even at the risk of mistakes.
In Action
“Let’s move fast and break things—it’s a growth opportunity.”
Translation
We’re going full speed, and any fallout will just be a lesson.
Move the Needle
Definition
To make noticeable progress.
In Action
“This approach should really move the needle on engagement.”
Translation
Fingers crossed that something we do actually makes a difference.
Ping Me
Definition
Contact me later.
In Action
“Ping me if you need more details.”
Translation
I probably won’t answer, but give it a shot.
Pivot
Definition
Change direction or strategy.
In Action
“Given the feedback, we might need to pivot our approach.”
Translation
This plan is no longer working, so let’s scramble to find another.
Put a Pin in It
Definition
Set this idea aside temporarily.
In Action
“That’s a good point, but let’s put a pin in it for now.”
Translation
We’ll probably never discuss this again, but thanks for the thought.
Runway
Definition
The amount of time (or money) we have before there's trouble.
In Action
“How much runway do we have to launch this?”
Translation
Can we realistically do this, or are we faking optimism?
Over-Indexing
Definition
Putting too much emphasis on one area at the expense of others.
In Action
"We’re over-indexing on visuals and need to balance it with content.”
Translation
We’re spending too much energy here; let’s spread the love.
Table Stakes
Definition
The bare minimum required to play the game.
In Action
“If we don’t have a seamless user experience, we’re missing table stakes!”
Translation
It’s the stuff we need to be competent, but let’s make it sound critical.
Take Offline
Definition
Continue this discussion outside the main meeting.
In Action
“Great point; let’s take this offline.”
Translation
This conversation is sidetracking everyone. Let’s discuss it later. Maybe.
There There
Definition
Used to describe a thing that lacks substance or clear value.
In Action
“We looked under the hood and realized… there’s no there there.”
Translation
It’s all surface-level polish with nothing solid underneath.
Too Many Cooks
Definition
The polite way of saying there are too many people on this project.
In Action
“Let’s streamline decision-makers. We don’t want too many cooks.”
Translation
Who invited their cousin’s dog walker to this meeting?
Touch Base
Definition
Check in with someone about a project.“
In Action
Let’s touch base next week to review progress.”
Translation
I’ll probably ask you to update me sooner than you’d like.
Quick Win
Definition
Something we can do quickly to show progress.
In Action
“Let’s identify some quick wins to build momentum.”
Translation
We’re running out of time. What can we finish in an hour?
Unpack
Definition
Break something complex into simpler parts.
In Action
“Let’s unpack that and see what it really means for the project.”
Translation
What did we just agree to? Let’s make sure we’re on the same page
Value-Add
Definition
Something that brings extra value to the project.
In Action
"What’s the value-add for the client here?”
Translation
How can we justify this as a perk (or the reason for a price bump)?
Win-Win
Definition
A scenario where everyone benefits.
In Action
“This approach will be a win-win for us and the client.”
Translation
We’re hoping this works out for both sides.
