According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a buzzword can be defined either as "an important-sounding usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen" or as "a voguish word or phrase".
Definitions from other sources also highlight the popularity or the vast spread of the word or expression.
[What we think and what we say
can have a huge impact on our feelings,
goals, and actions. Let's pick our words wisely]
Many buzzwords are "trendy" for a season, some for a year or two, and once in a while, there are buzzwords able to last for a decade or even longer.
Knowing which "cool words" we are using right now is a good way to reflect on the way we are using them, and even more on the reasons behind our habit:
Are we using them because they mean something to us or just because everybody else is using them right now?
Are we using them because they define us or because we are afraid of being defined by the fact that we are not using them and somehow missing out because of this?
Are we using the same buzzwords we were using last year, two years ago, five years ago? What would we have thought of them back then? What has changed for us, and how have we changed?
Coaching question of the day:
"Which buzzwords are you using on a regular basis?"
Tags: Coaching question, Self-coaching, Self-awareness, Self-reflection, Buzzwords, Language awareness, Language patterns
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