Credibility Counts Write Professionally Skip the Slang
When writing, each word counts. Don’t waste words using idioms, clichés, jargon, slang, or euphemisms.
Idioms are unique to every culture and language. But they do not always translate well. In English, an uninformed person can be said to be in the dark, whereas in Polish, that person fell from the Christmas tree. Go through your speech and writing and note how often you use idioms instead of clear speech. Imagine being in front of a group where English is the group’s second or third language. You inform them that you do not have a presentation planned because you were in the dark. They will wonder what you mean just as you would wonder why there was no presentation from the Polish group because someone fell from the Christmas tree. If you use too many idioms in speaking or in writing, the group will have no idea what you are talking about. Because idioms do not have a literal meaning, they have to be learned.
A cliché is an idiom that has been overused and ranges from boring to annoying depending on the listener. Using a cliché indicates a lack of original thought and because they are idiomatic, have little impact.
Jargon is used by people in a certain profession or social group. Readers outside your profession or group will not understand your references. Some jargon that has slipped into our common vocabulary includes AWOL (Absent without Leave), 10-4 (I understand), 9-5 (the business day), or BTW (by the way). How many of these did you know? Jargon has a place and is expected in technical, military, medical, etc. Know your audience.
Using slang will emphasize your writing an unprofessional; slang not understood will highlight you as unreadable. We use it in our everyday language; in some countries, it is preferable to more formal language reserved for stage, screen, and television. Slang is not acceptable in the academic or business world. Slang changes over time and can date your writing.
Euphemisms help blunt unpleasant words or phrases. Many people use the word passed instead of died, tipsy instead of drunk, downsizing instead of fired to soften the reality of a situation that is unhappy, embarrassing, or impolite. Formal writing considers euphemisms to be untruthful or even deceitful. Appropriate language use adds credibility to your writing your arguments, and does not alienate you from your audience.
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