Core Concepts
The author delves into the deceptive nature of corporate language, highlighting how it serves to conceal rather than communicate effectively in the workplace.
Abstract
The article explores the evolution and impact of corporate jargon on communication within organizations. It sheds light on how meaningless terms like "parallel path" and "garbage language" are used to fill space and create a facade of productivity. The narrative follows personal experiences and observations, emphasizing the disconnect between language usage and genuine communication. Through anecdotes from various workplaces, the author critiques the prevalence of buzzwords, metaphors, and acronyms that hinder clarity and authenticity in interactions. The discussion extends to encompass broader societal implications, linking garbage language to deeper anxieties about work identity and self-marketing strategies. By dissecting examples from start-ups like WeWork and Away, the article exposes how manipulative language can perpetuate toxic work environments and mask exploitation under the guise of empowerment. Ultimately, it challenges readers to reflect on the insidious influence of corporate jargon on individual perceptions and organizational dynamics.
Stats
In January, a memoir called Uncanny Valley was published.
WeWork's prospectus is nearly 200,000 words long.
Away faced backlash for its management practices.
Quotes
"People used a sort of nonlanguage... inflated with self-importance."
"It was garbage language... but customers loved him."
"The hideous nature of these words — their facility to warp and impede communication — is also their purpose."