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
f/u [n.] | Shorthand for follow-up. Use with caution. "Make sure your whole team's prepared for the f/u." Suggested by Cindy T. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
F2F [exp.] | A really cute way of saying face-to-face. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Face time [n.] | 1) The opportunity to sit down to discuss an issue in person. "I've been trying to get a little face time with the boss to go over this proposal, but she keeps blowing me off." 2) Unproductive time spent at the office meant to project the image that you're a hardworking employee. Suggested by Randi H. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Facipulate [v.] | An unfortunate mix of 'facilitate' and 'manipulate', it refers to influencing the course of a discussion by indirectly promoting certain lines of thought. Suggested by Ed T. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
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Fact pattern [n.] | A set of supporting evidence. "Mary keeps calling in sick on sales presentation days. Interesting fact pattern, don't you think?" Suggested by Bob S. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fairy dust [n.] | The finishing touches on a project. "Sprinkle the fairy dust on that one for me, will ya?" Suggested by Steve B. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Faker's dozen [n.] | When someone calls out sick twelve times during a year, they've pulled off the "faker's dozen". Suggested by Jordan M. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fall guy [n.] | A scapegoat. After the buck is passed through the entire organization, it stops at this unfortunate person. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fallen angels [n.] | Investments that once performed well but have declined in value. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Faulty-tasking [v.] | Taking on extra responsibilities to the point of being error-prone at one or all of them. Suggested by Mad Casual. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Featherbedding [v.] | Keeping jobs that aren't needed in order to please the union. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Feature creep [v.] | The tendency to continually add more features during the development of a product. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Feed the gorilla [v.] | To ensure that the core part of a company is solid before trying more interesting or high-risk projects. Suggested by Andy W. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Feeding frenzy [n.] | Intense buying by consumers. "They opened the doors at 12:01 am and kicked-off the feeding frenzy." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fenestration [n.] | Windows. Please, please just say windows. "This 10th floor rental unit has excellent fenestration." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
File thirteen [n.] | The garbage can. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Financial slack [n.] | The cash buffer that sustains operations until more funding can be secured. "We're looking at 3 months slack till it all goes pear-shaped." Suggested by Nate B. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Finger in the wind [exp.] | To reach a decision arbitrarily, with no clear rationale. "Don't put your finger in the wind and call it due diligence." Suggested by Sinking ship | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Finger-of-blame [n.] | An arbitrary method for selecting the person who will take responsibility for a mistake. The blame is usually way out of proportion with the actual error. "Uh-oh... the finger-of-blame finds ... YOU!" Suggested by DJ. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fire away [exp.] | Proceed whenever you're ready. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fire fighting [v.] | Addressing a problem that must be solved immediately. "We've been fire fighting since last quarter's numbers were released." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Firestarter [n.] | Someone known for inventing/exaggerating problems, then calling countless meetings to find a solution and be the hero. Suggested by fefe | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fish or cut bait [exp.] | To be forced to make a decision. "We're getting to the point where we have to either fish or cut bait on this one." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fishbowl [exp.] | To be in the public spotlight. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fishing expedition [n.] | 1) A fact-finding mission. 2) A concerted effort to find something—anything—wrong. Suggested by Vic P. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fix it in pre [exp.] | A recommendation to address problems early before they grow to large, costly mistakes. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flavor of the month [n.] | The most recent fad to hit Corporate America. Social-buying bubble, amirite? Suggested by Dave. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flight risk [n.] | An employee that is thought to be considering quitting. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flub [v.] | To miss. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fluff it and fly it [v.] | To make cosmetic improvements and then sell an item. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flunky [n.] | A worker at the bottom of the corporate food chain. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flush [adj.] | Possessing a large amount of money. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Fly-tipper [n.] | A manager who avoids confrontation by quietly dumping work on the desks of his subordinates when they're not around. Suggested by Jon H. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flying a kite [v.] | Initiating a project with no defined end point. Or starting point. Suggested by B. Potter. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Flying circus [n.] | When company management takes a flight to inspect a local branch. "The flying circus will touch down tomorrow afternoon. Make sure we're ready for them." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Followship [n.] | The prized ability to obey direction without question. "Great followship leads to great leadership." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Food chain [n.] | An organization's hierarchy. "I'm going to send this up the food chain for approval." Suggested by D Ochoa. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Foot on the ball time [n.] | Borrowed from football, this is a chance to pause and gain control of a situation. "If you don't give me a little more foot on the ball time, I'm going to blow this presentation." Suggested by Sean. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Foreseeable future [n.] | A conveniently flexible period of upcoming time. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Former life [n.] | A clever way for speakers to refer to prior career positions. Often used by the speaker to highlight how far they've come in life. "In a former life, I sold insurance door-to-door." Suggested by Sam M. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Free cell [n.] | An empty cubicle that was formerly inhabited by someone who played too many games of Free Cell. Suggested by JC. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Free lunch [n.] | Something for nothing. Rare in the state of nature. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Free seminar [n.] | A sales presentation disguised as useful information. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
From a _____ perspective [adj.] | Three words of unnecessary padding around the subject at hand. "We're low on toner, from an office supplies perspective." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Front burner [n., v.] | The opposite of back burner, obviously. Reserved for the most pressing matters. "Frontburner your account outreach until we rollout." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
FUBAR [adj.] | F***ed Up Beyond All Repair. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
FUD factor [n.] | The amount of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt created in a customer during the sales process (which is then conveniently addressed by your product or service). Suggested by David R. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Full optics [n.] | A complete view. "We don't have full optics on the situation presently." Suggested by BT. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Full-court press [n.] | A term borrowed from basketball that's used to describe a maximum effort. "If we're going to regain our market share, we need a full-court press from your sales staff." | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Function [v.] | To complete a task or action item. "Bob, make sure you function the inbox and delegate accordingly." Suggested by kramtronix. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |
Future-proof [adj.] | A product that is claimed to be immune to obsolescence. | ![Share this term on Facebook Share this term on Facebook](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-facebook-off.png) ![Share this term on Twitter Share this term on Twitter](https://www.theofficelife.com/wp-content/themes/bmm-10/images/share-twitter-off.png) |