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.
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Languaged [v.]Composed a document. "I'm happy to see that you finally languaged the new protocol."
Suggested by Michael D.
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Last man standing [n.]The senior-most employee remaining after a round of executive lay-offs. The last man standing usually inherits a set of responsibilities that he is totally unqualified to perform.
Suggested by Mad Casual.
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Lateraled [v.]To be transferred to another position at your current level. "Instead of the promotion I wanted, I was lateraled to another division."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter


Lawyer up [v.]Assembling a team of attorneys, usually after PR efforts have failed to sway public opinion.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lay of the land [n.]The current state of things. "What's the lay of the land up your way?"
Suggested by Hieronymous B.
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Lay your silver on the table [v.]To fully describe the products or services offered during a sales meeting. "Just look each one in the eye and lay your silver on the table."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lead balloon [n.]A complete failure.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lead lung [n.]Spokesperson. "Please direct your questions to Mr. Harris. He's lead lung until further notice."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lean in [n.]The act of appearing engaged and motivated, when you actually just want to throw up.
Suggested by KT.
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Learnings [n.]New knowledge gained from a given experience. "As a post-mortem, what learnings we can take away from this exercise?"
Suggested by Eric.
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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.
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Left lane [v.]To accelerate a project. "I'll need to requisition more personnel to left lane your ideas."
Suggested by Johny C.
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Left-handed compliment [n.]Congratulations that are actually subtle insults.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Legal scrub [exp.]Having a lawyer re-word a document to reduce the risk of future legal action.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
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.
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Let it drip [v.]Allowing time for a new idea to become known and understood. "Let it drip a little longer next time and you won't shock the board."
Suggested by Brian
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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."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Leverage [v.]To make use a resource.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lick and a promise [exp.]Insufficient preparation. "Tom sent me into the shareholder's meeting with nothing but a lick and a promise."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
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."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lightning rod [n.]An individual that is a common target.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
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.
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LIHOM [n.]Legend In His/her Own Mind.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Line of sight [n.]A clear view of the goal/target. Helps you bring a little battlefield to the boardroom.
Suggested by RADEY.
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Link in [v.]To connect or consult with others.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Lipstick on a pig [exp.]An attempt to put a favorable spin on a negative situation. "Tim's sales numbers are terrible. Even he can't put lipstick on that pig."
Suggested by Ben S.
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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.
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LOMBARD [n.]Lots Of Money But A Real Dumbass.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Long con [n.]Working for years at a job you should have never been hired for, without any oversight, accountability, or line of communication.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Long-game [adj.]In the long term. "See, I understand how things work Long-Game."
Suggested by Iain.
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Loop-in [v.]To apprise. "Loop me in on the latest market numbers."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
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.
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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.
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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.
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Low decision latitude [exp.]The inability to make any important choices.
Suggested by Paul M.
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Low-ball [n., v.]A very low offer. "They heard about our layoffs and started low-balling on their service renewals."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Low-hanging fruit [n.]Relatively simple problems that can be addressed with minimal effort.
Suggested by Phil
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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."Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
Luddites [n.]People who are hesitant to adopt new technologies. For many, this is a point of pride.Share this term on FacebookShare this term on Twitter
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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