In India’s bustling corporate landscape, business jargon is rampant. From “synergy” to “circle back,” such terms are liberally sprinkled across boardroom conversations, often to project authority or keep up with the latest trends. But while these buzzwords may sound impressive, they usually do more harm than good, obscuring meaning, creating confusion, and reducing the clarity essential for effective communication. In a fast-paced, diverse environment, avoiding jargon in favour of straightforward language is key to ensuring alignment, improving productivity, and driving results.
The problem with buzzwords
India’s corporate culture, especially in large companies, is saturated with jargon. Terms such as “synergy,” “low-hanging fruit,” and “touch base” are common in conversations, yet their overuse dilutes meaning. Atul Mathur, EVP & head of learning and development, Aditya Birla Capital, observes: “These words may be commonplace, but they often leave newcomers hesitant to ask for clarification, which hinders organisational efficiency.”
Such jargon, far from promoting clarity, erects barriers. Employees may feel disconnected from the conversation, confused by terminology that feels needlessly complex. As language creates hierarchies of knowledge, jargon can make some feel left out or intimidated.
“Often used to imply collaboration, “synergy” has become so overused that its meaning is often lost. Instead of saying synergy, just say collaboration or teamwork. These simple, clear terms ensure that everyone, from freshers to senior managers, understands the objective.”
Ravi Kumar, CPO, Page Industries
Acronyms: The silent confusion
Jargon isn’t limited to buzzwords. Acronyms are another corporate pitfall. Ravi Kumar, CPO at Page Industries, points out that acronyms such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) or BPR (Business Process Re-engineering) can baffle employees. “Different companies have their own acronyms, and it’s one of the most frustrating things to encounter in a new job,” he says, advocating for full forms or simpler language wherever possible.
Acronyms often obscure rather than clarify meaning. Take ‘ASAP’ (As Soon As Possible) or ‘EOD’ (End of the Day): they sound efficient but can be ambiguous. “ASAP is subjective—everyone interprets it based on their own sense of urgency,” says Manish Majumdar, head of HR at Centum Electronics. ‘EOD’ can vary depending on time zones and personal schedules. Instead, he suggests using precise deadlines like “by 2 PM today” or “6 PM IST.” This reduces confusion and ensures smoother communication.
“These words may be commonplace, but they often leave newcomers hesitant to ask for clarification, which hinders organisational efficiency.”
Atul Mathur, EVP & head of learning and development, Aditya Birla Capital
Overused jargon in India Inc.
Here are some of the most overused business jargons—and what to say instead:
Synergy: Often used to imply collaboration, “synergy” has become so overused that its meaning is often lost. “Instead of saying synergy, just say collaboration or teamwork,” suggests Kumar. These simple, clear terms ensure that everyone, from freshers to senior managers, understands the objective.
“This popular phrase, used during performance reviews or brainstorming sessions, often confuses employees. Nobody really knows what ‘the box’ is . It’s an abstract idea that doesn’t convey actionable feedback.”
Manish Majumdar, head-HR, Centum Electronics
Think outside the box: This popular phrase, used during performance reviews or brainstorming sessions, often confuses employees. “Nobody really knows what ‘the box’ is,” says Majumdar. “It’s an abstract idea that doesn’t convey actionable feedback.” Instead, he advises managers to encourage innovation by asking for alternative approaches or ideas.
Bandwidth: Commonly used to describe someone’s capacity to take on more work, “bandwidth” can be perplexing to those unfamiliar with tech jargon. A simpler phrase, such as “Do you have time?” or “Can you take on this task?” is clearer and more direct.
Boil the ocean: This corporate metaphor is often used to discourage tackling too many tasks at once. But it can confuse employees unfamiliar with such expressions. Replacing it with “Let’s focus on the essentials” or “Prioritise” communicates the same idea without the ambiguity.
Best practices: While leaders frequently tout “best practices,” Majumdar warns against assuming that what works elsewhere will work universally. “Best practices are highly contextual,” he says. A more tailored approach would be to ask, “What practices best suit our current needs?” This shifts the focus from imitation to innovation, encouraging teams to create solutions that fit their specific challenges.
The disconnect created by jargon
In India’s diverse corporate environment, overused jargon often alienates employees, particularly those from varied linguistic and educational backgrounds. Buzzwords may impress senior management but leave others in the room unsure of what was actually discussed. This not only hampers productivity but also undermines the leader’s credibility. As Kumar notes, “We must remember that not everyone has a high-end English vocabulary. Using simpler terms ensures that everyone can contribute effectively.”
The use of unnecessary jargon can also damage trust between leaders and their teams. Employees may perceive leaders who rely too heavily on buzzwords as overcomplicating simple ideas, leading to disengagement. HR professionals, therefore, play a crucial role in fostering a culture of clear communication. Majumdar shares an example from Centum Electronics, where he encourages managers to avoid buzzwords in feedback sessions and instead provide precise, actionable input. “We saw significant improvements in employee engagement and performance when leaders started being more specific and clear in their communication.”
The path forward: Simplicity wins
The lesson for business leaders is simple: clarity trumps complexity. Buzzwords and jargon may seem fashionable, but they often create barriers to understanding, especially in a rapidly evolving and diverse workforce like India’s. Communication succeeds when the intended message is fully understood—not when it’s dressed up in abstract terminology.
As Mathur wisely puts it, “Let’s not boil the ocean—let’s just focus.” By prioritising simplicity and precision in communication, leaders can foster stronger connections with their teams, encourage better engagement, and ultimately drive better results. In business, as in life, simplicity is indeed the ultimate sophistication.
1 Comment
Very well explained – Simple and Clear