Words Unraveled Podcast Notes

Introduction

• Hosts: Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris
• Focus: Etymology and use of jargon in business and legal contexts
• Discussion on corporate jargon and legal jargon

Corporate Jargon

Definition and Origin

• Originates from French, meaning unintelligible talk or chatter
• Historically referred to bird noises akin to gibberish

Use in Business

• Common in corporate settings, often used without irony
• Examples include "synergy," "maximize," "leverage," etc.
• Seen as a way to fit into corporate culture and signify inclusion
• Some terms, like "drinking the Kool-Aid," persist in modern usage

Common Jargon Terms

• Synergy: Originally a biblical term, meaning collaboration
• Leverage: A noun turned into a verb, often misused
• Utilize vs. Use: "Use" is preferred for simplicity
• Impact: Overused, especially in AI-generated content
• Learnings: A term dating back to Shakespeare

Criticism of Jargon

• Seen as cliché, uncreative, and dehumanizing
• Often used to avoid specificity or to seem sophisticated
• Pervasive in platforms like LinkedIn

Jargon in Technology

• Terms like "circle back," "move the needle," and "core competency"
• Sports metaphors commonly used: "touch base," "slam dunk"

Legal Jargon

Legal Latin

• Historical use in English courts
• Common terms: "ad hominem," "bona fide," "habeas corpus"

Legal Terms in Common Use

• Innuendo: Originally a legal term, now means a double entendre
• Quid pro quo: Means something for something
• Ad hoc: For a specific purpose

Myths and Misconceptions

• False theories about testifying involving testicles

Words with Legal Origins

• Paraphernalia: Originally meant goods aside from a dowry
• Mayhem: Legal term for injury making someone less defensive
• Legit: Dates back to legitimate theater in the 1800s

Conclusion

• Discussion on the impact and future of jargon
• Encouragement to use language creatively and humanely
• Podcast ends with a lighthearted acknowledgment of the clichés discussed