The Jargon Begone! list
The jargon below has been provided by the community. You can add to the jargon list too, just click on the Jargon Begone! button below.
| Entry Date | What jargon term annoys you the most? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| October 27, 2025 at 6:06 pm | The notice of Drop the Jargon Day was pure JARGON: |
You actually said: "This year’s theme, Meet people where they are, focuses on embedding health literacy principles to build understanding and empower communities. “ |
| October 27, 2025 at 10:13 am | Acronyms generally.. |
I suggest always adding 'context' before using an acronym. Don't assume everyone automatically understands the acronym. |
| October 22, 2025 at 12:19 pm | anything related to 'Framework/Model/Theory ' |
Personally, I feel like students get the grunt of the majority of framework/model/theory-related questions; otherwise, it'll be lecturers, tutors, and other academics working closely to students. As a social work student, unless I've done the research to answer said 'framework/model/theory-related question, I'm often speechless/clueless as to how to answer, because in practice, those frameworks, models and theories are not discussed to the same extent (rather, observed & passively, often in the background of all the actual work being done), unless you're working in the research and evaluation sector or education and teaching professions. |
| October 22, 2025 at 10:56 am | acronymns |
If you you're not up to speed then you're in the dark. It shits me! |
| October 9, 2025 at 11:45 am | Capacity |
It doesn't offer a clear explanation on what it is - and is used in the positive "build capacity" and negative "no capacity" the term is ambiguous and can mean, time, space, room etc. Let drop this jargon! |
| September 18, 2025 at 9:58 am | asymptomatic |
As a health professional I understand that this means "without symptoms", but for my partner who doesn't have a health background and for whom English is not his first language, it meant that you have "a symptom". Imagine how different the Covid-19 health information sounded once he learnt that? I often wonder how many other people still don't understand this term, and who have been following an entirely differently set of Covid safety rules as a result (ie, "stay home if you have symptoms, but you can leave the house if you have a (one) symptom".) |
| September 16, 2025 at 2:19 pm | Jargon and Pledge |
“Jargon” is itself a jargon word. It’s not something most people use in everyday conversation. If we’re trying to promote clarity, we should use simpler terms like complicated words or technical terms. |
| September 4, 2025 at 10:52 pm | euphemism |
euphemism feels like a euphemism and i dont like euphemisms |
| September 1, 2025 at 11:10 am | Analytical Commentary |
It makes me mad, Just say point quote comment 100 times |
| August 21, 2025 at 1:47 pm | EOM |
Always leaves me second guessing... End of Month? End of Monday? End of Message? Let's leave the end of our messages blank - no need to reiterate. |
| June 10, 2025 at 12:32 pm | acute |
can be easily replaced with "short term diagnosis" in medical contexts to be more understandable towards patients |
| February 3, 2025 at 9:44 pm | Textbook |
Consumers don’t understand therefore optimum health outcomes are reduced |
| November 4, 2024 at 2:26 pm | intertwine |
The word is ENTWINE |
| October 23, 2024 at 11:37 am | piece |
It just irks me. |
| October 21, 2024 at 10:52 am | SOB |
Duplicate meanings |
| October 18, 2024 at 4:02 pm | personality disorder |
Are you saying they are a broken person? This is a stigmatising and judgemental diagnosis, like so many other clinical terms used to describe neurodiversity and social/relationship challenges. |
| October 18, 2024 at 3:53 pm | "under the Act" |
This term is used in mental health to justify services that compromise a consumer's rights. A clinician can state anything is "under the Act" without specifying what the intervention is and how specifically it is covered by the Act. Has the clinician actually read the Act, and do they know which part of the Act they are referring to, and can they be sure their decision is actually legal or according to the principles of the Act? Have they referred to the outcomes and findings of the Mental Health Royal Commission in Victoria? |
| October 18, 2024 at 9:17 am | BAU |
Business As Usual just an unnecessary pompous sounding term |
| October 18, 2024 at 8:32 am | Passed away |
as a healthcare worker we use medical terminology in most other settings! |
| October 1, 2024 at 1:27 pm | Accommodation |
Because it means different things and it is easy to replace with 'house' or 'flat' |
| Entry Date | What jargon term annoys you the most? | Why? |
Why should I pledge?
6 out of 10 of people in Australia have low health literacy.
Many Australians have trouble understanding and using information provided by organisations. They also have trouble navigating complicated systems like healthcare services.
When we use jargon, technical terms or acronyms, it is hard for people with low health literacy to understand and use information.
Pledge and take part in activities at your workplace. Make it easy for people with low health literacy to get better information and outcomes from services they use.
Drop the Jargon
Pledge to Drop the Jargon
- Use plain language in all communication – with other staff and with clients
- Not use acronyms
- Explain medical and other technical terminology
- Check that information has been understood by your clients
- Work with a professional interpreter when your clients have low English proficiency
- Politely point out when your colleagues use jargon