Office workers are being urged to stop using jargon and go back to "normal" English.
The call came after a list of the most ridiculous business phrases was compiled, ranging from "biting the reality sandwich" to "touching base offline".
Workers across the UK are being accused of using jargon which is getting more bizarre every year by recruitment firm Office Angels.
Staff are now talked about feeling "stressurised" (a mixture of pressure and stress) and often wanting to "flag" problems.
Terms such as "singing from the same hymn sheet" have been in widespread use for some time, but, Office Angels says, some other "ridiculous" phrases are creeping onto the list.
These include:
:: We need the right Pin numbers (we need it to work);
:: A lighthouse on a cloudy night (coming up with a good/bright idea);
:: I'm coming into this with an open kimono (throwing an idea out into the open but being open to criticism);
:: Let's touch base about this offline (let's meet up face to face);
:: Finger in the air figure (just an estimate);
:: I think someone needs a bite of the reality sandwich (someone needs to think a bit more practically);
:: Let's run that idea up the flagpole and see if it flies (simply trying out an idea);
:: Let's not try to build a chestnut fence to keep the sand-dunes in (face a problem head on, rather than battling it unsuccessfully);
:: Expecting the moon on a stick (when clients have ridiculous expectations).
The recession has also spawned the term "credit munch", meaning switching from an expensive lunch to a cheaper option.
David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: "Trying to talk the talk isn't particularly productive and doesn't make you seem more professional.
Let's face it - there are never going to change this ...how long has the Plain English campaign been going for now and what has it actually achieved ?????
