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.
| Entry Date | What jargon term annoys you the most? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2021 at 9:26 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".) |
| October 18, 2021 at 12:53 pm | Anything that is reduced to an acronym |
Acronyms are usually only understood by ‘inner circles’ so their use should be limited appropriately. |
| October 14, 2021 at 4:56 pm | Cohort |
We should clearly identify who we are talking about, rather than referring to a non-descriptive 'cohort'. |
| October 14, 2021 at 4:53 pm | 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. |
| April 8, 2021 at 9:20 pm | sciatica |
Because it means different things to everyone! |
| October 27, 2020 at 3:56 pm | 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...………….'. |
| October 27, 2020 at 3:54 pm | non compliant |
Because what should be written is 'client has difficulties with......' Staff need to write what they mean. |
| October 27, 2020 at 3:52 pm | non compliant |
Because what should be written is 'client has difficulties with......' Staff need to write what they mean. |
| October 26, 2020 at 1:23 pm | People using US slang and spelling |
We're in Australia. We were influenced by the UK. |
| October 21, 2020 at 10:46 am | 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. |
| October 20, 2020 at 10:08 pm | 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. |
| October 20, 2020 at 4:32 pm | furlough |
Unknown word- new term |
| October 20, 2020 at 4:24 pm | 24/7 |
Too American |
| October 19, 2020 at 9:02 pm | TLA |
Three Letter Acronym (it's an acronym for all the acronyms!) |
| October 19, 2020 at 8:58 pm | Environmental scan |
This is used when an organisation researches what's happening in relation to something they are planning something. It sounds like some kind of robot with a laser scanning for something it wants to kill... |
| October 15, 2020 at 1:47 pm | SIT; SCIRT; SACS; CTS; NITH; NOAH; RUSON; SIMON; AIDET; HIS; CDM; |
Some I don't understand or know about and others need to be called what they are. |
| October 15, 2020 at 12:20 pm | sub-optimal |
Its a weasel word, a mealy-mouthed euphemism for "we stuffed up" |
| October 14, 2020 at 4:59 pm | COB |
Makes me think of a cob loaf not close of business! Why can't we just say the end of the day or end of the work day |
| October 13, 2020 at 3:08 pm | Leaning in |
It is supposed to mean that we are working together and supporting one another - why not just say lets work together and be supportive!!! |
| October 13, 2020 at 1:04 pm | chronic |
Because the general community do not understand it, I have heard it used as a substitute as bad eg I have asthma, it's chronic, they don't mean its an ongoing, always there condition, they mean its really bad. And then we here about health professionals, govt talking about chronic conditions - what do they general public think this means - really bad conditions. Oh mine is not that bad... |
| 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.
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