Jargon Begone! List
The following jargon have been provided by the community. If you would like to contribute our jargon list please click on the Add to Jargon Begone! button.
| What jargon term annoys you the most? | Why? |
|---|---|
| Dyspnoea |
People struggle to pronounce this term, let alone know what it means. Why not say 'distress with breathing' or 'uncomfortable breathing' or 'breathing discomfort' |
| Someone used C suite recently in an add recruiting a health job |
What is that Caesaraian section suite at a hospital, some new hospital department? NO....apparently it relates to executive positions, senior management....ie. CEO/ CFO/ CIO/COO.....more jargon ! Don't like it as it has an elitist feels about it Senior management team/ executive team I understand |
| Flesh it out |
I imagine skin being rolled out like dough |
| It is What It Is |
It is often said to avoid discussion or really expressing how you really feel |
| binary |
not in regular use |
| cognitive |
It's just a difficult word to understand. |
| 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".) |
| Anything that is reduced to an acronym |
Acronyms are usually only understood by ‘inner circles’ so their use should be limited appropriately. |
| Cohort |
We should clearly identify who we are talking about, rather than referring to a non-descriptive 'cohort'. |
| CALD |
Aren't we all Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People? And who isn't the 'CALD' when we are delivering services and what to we call them? What/who is the Mainstream? It (may) creates an Us and Them binary polarity or opposition. |
| sciatica |
Because it means different things to everyone! |
| frequent presenter (say to the EmergcenY Department-ED). |
Not good use of words, it's more of a label for a patient. Better to write, 'client has represented to ED with...………….'. |
| non compliant |
Because what should be written is 'client has difficulties with......' Staff need to write what they mean. |
| non compliant |
Because what should be written is 'client has difficulties with......' Staff need to write what they mean. |
| People using US slang and spelling |
We're in Australia. We were influenced by the UK. |
| Moving forward |
Over used term that i am not sure that everyone understands the meaning. Some might think moving to where?. In work discussion or meetings, it means to move to next topic or item of discussion now without delay. |
| CALD |
Not using the CALD acronym shows respect to culturally diverse individuals and communities and gives people and communities agency and appreciates their diversity and positive contributions to society. |
| furlough |
Unknown word- new term |
| 24/7 |
Too American |
| TLA |
Three Letter Acronym (it's an acronym for all the acronyms!) |
| 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.
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