Definition
Buzz words are slang words or phrases used predominantly within a specific group, often imbuing ordinary terms with an impressive, albeit sometimes ambiguous, meaning to outsiders. Over time, if these terms are widely adopted and their meanings become clear, they may evolve into standard English.
Examples include:
- Bottom Line: Refers to the most crucial or fundamental aspect of a situation.
- Comes with the Territory: Indicates that certain circumstances are to be expected as part of a particular role or situation.
- Ripoff: Describes something overpriced or of inferior quality.
- Run it up the Flagpole: Suggests testing an idea to gauge acceptance or feedback.
Examples
Bottom Line
- In a financial discussion, “What’s the bottom line?” often means, “What is the net profit or loss?”
Comes with the Territory
- In project management, one might say, “Dealing with client complaints comes with the territory of account management.”
Ripoff
- When shopping, a customer might exclaim, “This price is a ripoff!” indicating the item is greatly overpriced.
Run it up the Flagpole
- When brainstorming, someone might suggest, “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who salutes,” meaning to present an idea tentatively to gather opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of buzz words?
Buzz words typically originate within specific professional, social, or cultural groups as shorthand to communicate complex ideas quickly.
Can buzz words become part of formal language?
Yes, if buzz words gain enough popularity and their meanings become clear to a broader audience, they can be absorbed into the formal lexicon.
Are buzz words the same as jargon?
While buzz words and jargon both serve as specialized language, jargon tends to be more precise and technical, whereas buzz words can be more catchy and impressionistic.
Why do people use buzz words?
People use buzz words to create a sense of belonging within a group, to convey ideas quickly, and sometimes to impress or persuade an audience.
Can buzz words be confusing?
Yes, buzz words can be confusing to those not familiar with them, often leading to misunderstandings if the terms are not clearly explained.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Jargon: Specialized terminology associated with a particular field or area of activity.
- Slang: Informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker’s language.
- Idioms: Phrases where the meaning is not directly deducible from the individual words (“kick the bucket” means “to die”).
- Neologism: A newly coined word or expression that may start as a buzz word.
- Euphemism: A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
Online References
- Investopedia on Jargon
- Wikipedia: Glossary of Business and Management Terms
- Merriam-Webster Definitions
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Buzzword Dictionary: 1,000 Phrases Translated from Pompous to English” by John Walston
- “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- “Jargon: Investigating the Everyday Language of Professionals” by Russell Hurst
Fundamentals of Buzz Words: Communications Basics Quiz
### What primarily distinguishes buzz words from standard language?
- [ ] They are part of the formal education curriculum.
- [x] They are often used by specific in-groups to convey impressive but sometimes ambiguous ideas.
- [ ] They never become part of the standard lexicon.
- [ ] They are used exclusively in written communication.
> **Explanation:** Buzz words are primarily used within specific groups to convey ideas in an impressive but sometimes unclear way. Over time, they can become part of the standard lexicon if their usage spreads widely.
### Where do buzz words typically originate?
- [ ] From traditional dictionary definitions.
- [x] Within specific professional, social, or cultural groups.
- [ ] From foreign languages.
- [ ] From formal legislative texts.
> **Explanation:** Buzz words typically originate within specific professional, social, or cultural groups as shorthand to quickly communicate complex ideas.
### What happens when a buzz word becomes widely understood?
- [ ] It remains as a buzz word.
- [x] It can become part of the standard English.
- [ ] It loses all its meaning.
- [ ] It becomes jargon.
> **Explanation:** When a buzz word is widely understood, it can evolve into standard English and lose its status as a mere buzz word.
### How might someone unfamiliar with a buzz word feel when they encounter it?
- [ ] Enlightened
- [x] Confused
- [ ] Indifferent
- [ ] Angry
> **Explanation:** Someone unfamiliar with a buzz word might feel confused due to its initially vague and group-specific meaning.
### Which of the following is NOT an example of a buzz word?
- [ ] Bottom line
- [ ] Ripoff
- [x] Hydrogen
- [ ] Run it up the flagpole
> **Explanation:** "Hydrogen" is a scientific term and not a buzz word. The other options are examples of buzz words used in various contexts.
### Can buzz words be synonymous with jargon?
- [ ] Yes, they always mean the same thing.
- [x] No, buzz words are more catchy and impressionistic, while jargon is more precise and technical.
- [ ] Yes, in all contexts.
- [ ] No, buzz words are formal terms.
> **Explanation:** Buzz words are more catchy and impressionistic, often used for their impressive sound, while jargon is more precise and technical.
### What is a potential downside of using buzz words?
- [ ] They clearly convey the message.
- [ ] They are universally understood.
- [x] They can lead to misunderstandings if the audience is unfamiliar.
- [ ] They save time.
> **Explanation:** A potential downside is that buzz words can lead to misunderstandings if the audience is not familiar with the terms.
### How can buzz words ultimately affect language?
- [ ] They can make communication less precise.
- [x] They can enrich the language if they become standard usage.
- [ ] They remain limited to specific groups.
- [ ] They replace all existing words.
> **Explanation:** Buzz words can enrich the language if they become broadly understood and integrated into standard usage.
### Are buzz words primarily beneficial for precise communication?
- [ ] Yes
- [x] No
- [ ] Always
- [ ] Sometimes
> **Explanation:** Buzz words are not primarily beneficial for precise communication as they often carry an ambiguous meaning initially.
### What term describes a newly coined word that may become a buzz word?
- [ ] Acronym
- [ ] Jargon
- [x] Neologism
- [ ] Idiom
> **Explanation:** A "neologism" is a newly coined word or expression that has the potential to become a buzz word if it gains popularity.
Thank you for exploring the fascinating world of buzz words with us and tackling our comprehensive quiz. Stay tuned for more insights into the dynamic nature of language!
