Accountancy is an intelligent profession. You spend years of study, and learning the technical skills, but here’s the question we put to you: why do we rely on so much jargon? Why do we still bombard others with hot air?
Clearly, in some situations jargon has value as shorthand that helps people convey vital information quickly. But in others it is used by people to deliberately lend themselves an air of authority and to obscure meaning. Some workplaces even have internal hierarchies in which knowledge of jargon is a signifier of power and position.
Our advice – and that of the long- running Plain English Campaign – is to ditch the double Dutch and make the workplace a more straightforward environment, where everyone understands all communications and complex tasks are made simpler.
Jargon that needs a quick exit
Some phrases have clung on far too long. We’ve picked a few examples and what you could say instead:
"Going forward"
A mildly persistent irritant, this one. Most often used by those referring to planning for the future and, while not utterly redundant, in the context of a strategy meeting, the phrase is often implied. Say instead: “From now on” or state the action.
“Plan of action”
Another classic jargon. And it is an equally redundant phrase. Usually a plan will include at least one action, unless of course your workplace often enjoys creating plans of inaction, in which case we stand corrected. Say instead: “Plan”.
“Synergy”
Once a buzzword, now a vague promise. It’s often used to imply collaboration without explaining what will happen. Say instead: “Collaboration” or “working together”.
“Let’s park that” / “Circle back”
A nonsense way of stating that something should be addressed at a different time. If something needs revisiting, give a time and owner. Say instead: “We’ll decide on Friday” or “I’ll send an update by 3pm”.
New buzzwords you may hear in 2026
As the workplace evolves so does office jargon. Here are the latest phrases you could hear in your office:
- Workslop - AI-generated work that looks polished but lacks substance.
- Microshifting - Breaking your day into short, flexible work blocks.
- Coffee-badging - Showing up briefly at the office to “be seen” before working remotely.
- Bare Minimum Mondays - Starting the week gently to avoid burnout.
- Agentic AI - AI systems that act autonomously, not just generate text.
Acronym quiz
While jargon may be avoidable, certain workplace acronyms streamline processes and make life easier, as long as you know what they mean… Find the answers at the bottom of the page.
- BAU
- AOB
- CABA
- VAT
- CGT
- CPI
- ROI
- EOP
Why to avoid office jargon
Clear communication is a core professional competency that underpins trust, credibility and effective decision-making. Think about the impact - when you communicate with clarity and confidence to your clients or colleagues you reduce misunderstandings and demonstrate professionalism.
So, next time you’re tempted to “circle back” or “reach out,” stop and pause and ask yourself could I say this in Plain English.
Quiz answers
- Business As Usual
- Any Other Business
- Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association
- Value Added Tax
- Capital Gains Tax
- Consumer Price Index
- Return On Investment
- End Of Play