The Ridiculous Business Jargon Dictionary: L-words

Do you wonder where your co-workers picked up all the ridiculous things they say? From fresh-faced interns to top management, everyone drops one of these gems occasionally. We can only hope that you're not here to actually add buzzwords to your vocabulary.

Language [n.]	Text or content. "You need to rework the language on the Broker portal." Suggested by Elise B.
Languaged [v.]	Composed a document. "I'm happy to see that you finally languaged the new protocol." Suggested by Michael D.
Last man standing [n.]	The senior-most employee remaining after a round of executive lay-offs. The LMS usually inherits a set of responsibilities that he is totally unqualified to perform. Suggested by Mad Casual.
Lateraled [v.]	To be transferred to another position at your current level. "Instead of the promotion I wanted, I was lateraled to another division."
Lawyer up [v.]	Assembling a team of attorneys, usually after PR efforts have failed to sway public opinion.
Lay of the land [n.]	The current state of things. "What's the lay of the land up your way?" Suggested by Hieronymous B.
Lead balloon [n.]	A complete failure.
Lean in [n.]	The act of appearing engaged and motivated, when you actually just want to throw up. Suggested by KT.
Learnings [n.]	New knowledge gained from a given experience. "Post-mortem, what are the learnings we can take away from this exercise?" Suggested by Eric.
Leave-behind [n.]	Information presented on a sheet of paper. "Make sure you really sell it with the trade show leave-behind." Suggested by Elise B.
Left lane [v.]	To accelerate a project. "I'll need to requisition more personnel to left lane your ideas." Suggested by Johny C.
Left-handed compliment [n.]	Congratulations that are actually subtle insults.
Legal scrub [exp.]	Having a lawyer re-word a document to reduce the risk of future legal action.
Lens [n.]	A point of view; a corporate microscope. "I want to make sure that we're looking at this through the right lens." Suggested by Ben.
Let it drip [v.]	Allowing time for a new idea to become known and understood. "Let it drip a little longer and you won't shock the board again." Suggested by Brian
Level-set [v.]	To ensure that everyone is at the same 'level' of understanding. "You better level-set your team before you send them on-site."
Leverage [v.]	To utilize a resource. A list of the worst business jargon would, of course, be incomplete without it.
Lick and a promise [exp.]	Insufficient preparation. "Tom sent me into the shareholder's meeting with nothing but a lick and a promise."
Lifehack [n.]	Any method of improving one's productivity or quality of life. "I've discovered this great lifehack that lets me sleep less, but have much more energy."
Lightning rod [n.]	An individual that is a common target.
Lights-on initiative [n.]	A key project that is necessary to keep the business afloat, or the 'lights on'. "Until further notice, I need every soul committed to our lights-on initiatives. Suggested by Al D.
LIHOM [n.]	Legend In His/her Own Mind.
Line of sight [n.]	A clear view of the goal/target. Helps you bring a little battlefield to the boardroom. Suggested by RADEY.
Link in [v.]	To connect or consult with others. Second tier jargon from a second tier social network.
Lipstick on a pig [exp.]	An attempt to put a favourable spin on a negative situation. "Tim's sales numbers are terrible. Even he can't put lipstick on that pig." Suggested by Ben S.
Locked and loaded [adj.]	Ready to execute a plan or contract. Best used to describe clients who are flush with cash and/or wasted drunk. Suggested by Julian G.
LOMBARD [n.]	Lots Of Money But A Real Dumbass.
Long con [n.]	Working for years at a job you should have never been hired for, without any oversight, accountability, or line of communication.
Long-game [adj.]	In the long term. "See, I understand how things work Long-Game." Suggested by Iain.
Loop-in [v.]	To apprise. "Loop me in on the latest market numbers."
Loose-Tight model [n.]	An excuse to avoid the work of defining guidelines/boundaries, but then blocking suggestions out of perceived risk and fear. Suggested by Betina N.
Lose the bubble [v.]	To forget about or neglect. "I've lost the bubble on the Henderson account. Where do we stand?" Suggested by Christine C.
Lost in the sauce [adj.]	Describes someone lacking direction and a clear job definition. "Make sure the new recruits don't get lost in the sauce." Suggested by Lost French.
Low decision latitude [exp.]	The inability to make any important choices. Usually a consequence of being the guy at the bottom of the corporate food chain. Suggested by Paul M.
Low-ball [n.]	A very low quote.
Low-hanging fruit [n.]	Markets in which customers can be easily found. Suggested by Phil
Luck surface area [n.]	Conscious efforts to increase the likelihood of positive chance events. Pseudo-profound boss says, "Cultivate serendipity by expanding your luck surface area."
Luddites [n.]	An individual who feels that new technology will put their job in jeopardy.
Lunch and Learn [n.]	A management trick for adding an extra hour to your workday by holding meetings during lunch. A food bribe may be offered Suggested by Kurt.

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