Avoid sounding cliched by avoiding these 15 words and phrases, say grammar experts.

As the year 2021 draws to a close, it's the ideal moment for introspection. Let's face it: We all wish the individuals in our lives would reflect on their communication abilities. These days, there are some overused buzzwords and clichés that make everyone want to scream.

In 2022, we conducted interviews with managers, recruiters, and employees to determine which words and phrases should be retired or take a prolonged break, as suggested by our expertise in grammar.

1. Bandwidth

The term "bandwidth" is often used to describe a person's ability to handle tasks, but it is becoming overused.

Your business partners are no longer able to tolerate the repetition of the buzzword.

2. End-user

The term "bandwidth" has been popularized beyond its original computer context and is now commonly used in marketing and advertising.

When we move from technical to general use, the issue arises that it becomes dehumanizing and impersonal. Instead of using technical terms, we could opt for more people-centric words such as customer, buyer, or client.

3. Granular

At the start of the pandemic, Granular first appeared on the radar as a significant anomaly. There was discussion about analyzing granular data, examining the tiniest details to make crucial decisions.

Although it's legitimate, the word 'detailed' is being overused so frequently that we appear to be evading a more straightforward term.

4. Hack

With heavy blows, hacking originally meant to cut. However, with the advent of computers, programmers gave it a new definition. Today, millions of people are carelessly hacking various things, including recipes and toilets.

These new solutions are often as complex as the old-fashioned quick fixes, meaning many of them aren't even solutions.

5. ‘I did a thing’

Your friend posts a picture of a holiday decoration she made on Instagram, claiming to have "done a thing."

Can’t she just say “I made this”?

6. ‘It is what it is’

The phrase has gained popularity in recent years, with some tracing its origins back to a 1949 article in the Nebraska State Journal, but it truly took off in the 2000s.

Why do people keep boasting about the fact that we are all aware of the reality due to Covid?

7. Influencer

Although we'd like to avoid them, it's impossible to ignore influencers today. Anyone with a modest social media following is labeled an influencer, and businesses pay them to promote their products, such as massage oils, in the hopes of boosting sales.

New related terms are emerging, such as thinkfluencers, microinfluencers, and nanoinfluencers.

8. Jab

The term "jab," referring to a swift and forceful strike or an injection, was predominantly used in Britain. However, it gained widespread popularity in the United States due to Covid-19 vaccination programs.

"Jab" has a certain appeal; it's a somewhat nonchalant way to describe a serious thing. However, since we might have to live with getting shots for a while, it would be nice to call them "shots" again.

9. The new normal

The phrase "the new normal" has been used before the 2008 financial crisis, specifically after World War I to discuss the transition to a new world after the war.

The use of the term "new normal" has skyrocketed in 2021 to describe the changes brought about by the Covid era. However, we have all become accustomed to it, and it's time to move on.

10. Pivot

In 2020, LinkedIn named this word as the word of the year, but in 2021, many people considered it the most overused word.

In business, pivoting refers to a significant change in direction. However, the term has lost its significance due to overuse, and we should only use it when announcing a new global strategy.

11. ‘Take it offline’

One more person expressing a desire to remove it from the online platform will make me scream.

We heard the frustration of a manager who said, "It seems like everyone wants to take things offline instead of discussing them later, like we used to do in the past." Perhaps we should all take "offline" offline.

12. Thought leader

The term "thought leader" is a pretentious phrase that lacks substance. Although it is intended to describe individuals with innovative ideas that inspire others, the word "leader" itself is sufficient. The term "thought leader" appears to be an artificial attempt to create a more impressive word.

13. ‘We remain cautious’

Sometimes, "we remain cautious" is used to convey that "we're not going to say much because who knows?" Other times, it's used to reassure that "not to worry; we're not going to do anything untoward."

Of course you're being cautious; we'd expect nothing less!

14. WFH

The term "WFH" was initially an acronym that served a practical purpose when many of us were working remotely and required a concise way to communicate.

Work from home is now a common part of the new work reality, so let's stop emphasizing it as something unique every time.

15. Zooming

Despite using Microsoft Teams, everyone has been "Zooming" for the past year. We're exhausted of the virtual meetings and the term itself.

Will "Zoom" become a generic term like Xerox, or will it fade away? We'll search for it on Google next year to find out.

Kathy and Ross Petras are the brother-and-sister co-authors of "Awkword Moments," "You're Saying It Wrong," and "That Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means." Their work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Harvard Business Review. Follow them on Twitter @kandrpetras.

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