Workplace Jargon

adjective describes something that is dull, uninteresting, or lacking excitement

• The lecture on quantum physics was so boring that many students fell asleep.
• I find history class so boring, I can't wait for it to be over.
• This movie is so boring, I'd rather watch paint dry.
• Her monotone voice made the presentation as boring as watching grass grow.

verb to keep oneself occupied with a particular activity or task

adjective describing a person or thing that is occupied with or concentrating on a particular activity or object

• The office is always bustling with activity, everyone seems to be very busy.
• I can't talk right now, I'm really busy trying to meet a deadline.
• Sorry, I can't hang out tonight, I'm swamped with work and super busy.
• Her mind was so busy with thoughts, she couldn't focus on anything else.

noun a period of twenty-four hours as a unit of time, reckoned from one midnight to the next, corresponding to a rotation of the earth on its axis

adjective relating to or occurring during the day

adverb during the day or on each day

• The work must be completed by the end of the day.
• Let's catch up for lunch one day this week.
• I'm having a lazy day, just chilling at home.
• Every cloud has a silver lining, even on the darkest day.

noun a command or request to leave a place or object

verb to physically move or remove oneself from a place or object

preposition used to indicate movement away from a place or object

• Please make sure to get off at the next bus stop.
• Hey, don't forget to get off at the right exit.
• Dude, you need to get off at the party tonight.
• It's time to get off the fence and make a decision.

noun A U.S. military infantryman, especially in the Vietnam War

verb To make a low, short, guttural sound

• The soldier let out a grunt as he lifted the heavy equipment.
• I heard a grunt coming from the weight room.
• He let out a grunt of disapproval when he heard the news.
• The old man let out a grunt of satisfaction as he finished his work.

noun a phrase used to express boredom or indifference

• The lecture on quantum physics was rather ho hum, lacking any engaging content.
• I find long meetings to be quite ho hum, don't you?
• The party last night was so ho hum, I wish we had gone somewhere more exciting.
• Her performance in the play was ho hum, lacking the passion and energy we were expecting.

verb to release or discharge, especially from a responsibility or obligation

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The judge decided to let off the defendant with a warning.
• I can't believe they let him off with just a slap on the wrist.
• The teacher let us off the hook for not doing our homework.
• I could tell she was upset, but I decided to let her off the hook and not press the issue further.

noun a person who is idle or lazy, especially one who avoids work or responsibility

• The gentleman wore a pair of leather loafers to the business meeting.
• He's always just lounging around in his loafers, never doing any work.
• Check out those sick loafers he's rocking!
• She's a loafer when it comes to helping out with chores around the house.

verb to do something to an excessive or extreme degree

• It is important not to overdo your explanation in the report.
• Don't overdo it with the seasoning on the steak.
• She tends to overdo the drama in her stories.
• You don't want to overdo it and burn yourself out.

noun a remote control device

adjective distant or far away in space or time; out of the way; secluded

• The remote location of the research facility made it difficult for supplies to be delivered.
• I couldn't find the remote control for the TV anywhere.
• Let's go camping in the middle of nowhere, somewhere really remote.
• Her emotions seemed remote, as if she was disconnected from the situation.

adverb moving alternately backward and forward

preposition indicating the direction of movement

• The pendulum swung to and fro with perfect precision.
• I kept pacing to and fro in the waiting room.
• We were just chillin', walkin' to and fro along the beach.
• Her emotions were in turmoil, tossing her thoughts to and fro.

verb an action word that expresses a state of being or an occurrence

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• I always make sure to get up for important meetings on time.
• I struggle to get up for early classes in the morning.
• I can never get up for that boring lecture.
• She needs to get up for herself and stand up to the bullies.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word used to describe or modify a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun

• The CEO ripped the employee a new one for missing the deadline.
• My mom is going to rip me a new one when she finds out I failed my math test.
• Don't mess with him, he'll rip you a new asshole if you cross him.
• The coach ripped the team a new one during halftime to motivate them to play better.

noun a noun referring to foolish or stupid behavior or actions

• The committee was disappointed by the dumbassery displayed during the meeting.
• I can't believe the level of dumbassery he showed by forgetting his own birthday.
• Stop with the dumbassery and start acting like an adult.
• Her decision to quit her job without a backup plan was pure dumbassery.

noun a bag made of fabric or other material used for carrying or storing items

verb to dismiss or get rid of something or someone

preposition used to indicate removal or separation

• It is unprofessional to sack off work without a valid reason.
• Let's just sack off this meeting and go grab some lunch instead.
• I'm going to sack off studying and binge-watch Netflix tonight.
• Sometimes you need to sack off negative thoughts and focus on the positive instead.