Decoding the office vernacular, one phrase at a time.

2 min read

1

What is said: Let’s take this offline

What it means: This conversation isn’t going anywhere, and I would like it to stop happening in front of everyone. 

2

What is said: Why don’t we leverage existing partnerships for this?

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What it means: We know someone who might know someone who could possibly help.

3

What is said: Can we put a pin in this?

What it means: I have no idea how to resolve this and I don’t want to think about it anymore. 

4

What is said: It’s an evolving space

What it means: Nobody knows what’s going on yet. 

"The Man of Confusion" (Der Mann der Verwirrung), a 1939 painting by Swiss-German artist Paul Klee. The painting is of an abstract-like human figure. with slightly distorted facial features. --nonprofit humour
Picture courtesy: Rawpixel

5

What is said: This is a living document

What it means: This document should be updated regularly, but nobody has (or ever will).

6

What is said: We need to be agile

What it means: The plan has changed yet again.

7

What is said: Let’s keep this on our agenda 

What it means: Let’s forget about this until someone brings it up. 

8

What is said: Can we huddle for a minute on this?

What it means: Clearly that didn’t make sense to you, so let me explain again.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Derrek Xavier-Image
Derrek Xavier

Derrek Xavier is an editorial associate at IDR, where he is responsible for writing, editing, and publishing content. He previously worked in editorial positions at Cactus Communications and Firstpost. He holds an MA in Media Studies from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Keletsino Mejura-Image
Keletsino Mejura

Keletsino Mejura is an editorial analyst at IDR. Prior to this, she worked in communications with two nonprofits operating across Northeast India, covering livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and natural resource management. She holds a master’s degree in mass communication and is interested in community engagement, gender, and related social issues. Keletsino is an IDR Northeast Media Fellow 2024–25.

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