Buzzword Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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buzzword
[หbสzหwษrd ]
Definition
business jargon
A buzzword is a word or phrase that has become fashionable or is currently in vogue, particularly in specific fields such as business, technology, and education. These terms are often used to convey important concepts succinctly, but they can sometimes become so widespread that they lose their original meaning or become overly trendy. Because of their frequent use, buzzwords can make discussions less clear if the audience does not understand them. They often reflect current trends, innovations, or ideas within a sector.
Synonyms
catchphrase, hype term, jargon, lingo, trend.
Examples of usage
- Terms like 'synergy' have become common buzzwords in corporate meetings.
- Tech companies frequently use buzzwords to market their latest products.
- In the world of education, 'gamification' is a popular buzzword these days.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Buzzwords have influenced various industries, from technology to politics, often used to simplify complex ideas.
- In advertising, buzzwords can create a sense of urgency or importance, like 'green' or 'cutting-edge', appealing to consumer interests.
- Popular culture often satirizes buzzwords in media, showcasing how they can become clichรฉs when overused.
Business Communication
- In corporate settings, a study revealed that overuse of buzzwords can lead to misunderstandings among employees.
- Effective communication in a workplace often requires balancing buzzwords with clear, straightforward language to ensure everyone understands.
- Breeching jargon and buzzwords can sometimes indicate a lack of substance or deeper knowledge in discussions.
Social Psychology
- Psychologists suggest that people often use buzzwords to fit in or appear knowledgeable within certain groups.
- The phenomenon highlights a tendency for individuals to mirror language used by peers, enhancing group identity.
- Buzzwords may also influence perceptions of competence; using them can make one seem more skilled or authoritative.
Literature
- Contemporary writers often critique the reliance on buzzwords to reveal authenticity in narratives, pushing for more genuine expressions.
- Buzzwords can serve as a reflection of societal trends, capturing the zeitgeist and evolving language in literature.
- Some literary genres use buzzwords intentionally to engage readers or convey themes, particularly in modern poetry or prose.
Origin of 'buzzword'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'buzzword' first appeared in print in the early 1950s, relating to language used in business and marketing.
- It combines 'buzz', meaning excitement or gossip, with 'word', indicating its nature as a term that generates interest.
- Originally, buzzwords were meant to convey innovative concepts but often ended up being vague or overly complex.
The term 'buzzword' emerged in the early 20th century, initially rooted in the word 'buzz', which refers to a humming sound often associated with bees. The figurative use of 'buzz' to denote excitement or attention can be traced back to the 1950s, where it began to signify the energetic and attention-grabbing language used in marketing and business. Over the decades, 'buzzword' has evolved to describe terms that gain rapid popularity and are emblematic of a particular time or movement. They are frequently used to create a sense of urgency or importance around a concept, especially in corporate and technological contexts. The proliferation of buzzwords has led to criticism about their effectiveness in communication, as they can sometimes lead to ambiguity and confusion if overused or used without clear definitions. Today, buzzwords are ubiquitous in many professional settings, with new ones emerging regularly as industries evolve.