up-peeve-al
This week we’re talking about the stuff that irritates you, even though it’s irrational to let something so small get to you.
I’ve actually been doing a lot of work on myself to be less annoyed at the general population, so this list is shorter than it would have been a few years ago. Despite that, there are still some things that get my panties in a wad.
1. Corporate-ese.
This is the big one, folks. I work in a day job where I email back and forth with business types all the time, and have to see/hear tons of this made up, meaningless jargon on a regular basis. “Sphere of influence”? “Leveraging multi-level infrastructures” ? “Optimize cross-platform functionalities” ? Give me a break and speak English, please. You probably don’t even know what you’re saying, so I can guarantee the dozens of folks working below you won’t know how to “implement next-generation architecture strategies.”
2. Drivers
Just in general. I am convinced that most people have no clue what the traffic laws actually are, or don’t believe they apply to them. They also forget they are operating a very heavy machine that could easily kill someone, themselves included. I err on the side of caution, so I probably annoy other drivers myself, but I’d rather be annoying than dead.
3. People who order food or check out at a store while talking on their cell phones.
When I was a barista, I would wait for someone to finish their conversation before acknowledging that they wanted to order something. I think it’s too easy for us to forget that service people are just that — people. They are not Food Robots, they are not lesser beings, they are humans with thoughts and emotions. Tell the person on the line you will call them back. If it’s an important call, don’t get in line until you’re finished. If you stay on the phone and dismissively order with one ear facing the person at the register, don’t be surprised if your order is wrong or contains faint traces of human saliva.
Those are my main peeves. What are yours? Join us over at Girl Talk Thursday!
I always hated it when they would put up a finger to make me wait for them to finish their conversation. Then get pissed off at me like I'm the one being rude.
Oh, all the corporate BS. It gets so cheesy, too. Like living in a live action Dilbert strip.
I completely agree with everything on your list lol. Although I don't have to deal with business jargin now, I did once upon a time.
ugh yes! That is the worst.
hah. it's exactly like that — or like “Office Space” which is what I usually start imagining when someone is talking that way.
The corporate-ese is just so they feel smarter.
I have actually chucked my phone in my purse mid-conversation if it's my turn at the check out and I haven't gotten off the phone in time and/or the person on the other end of the line won't. shut. up. I just get flustered by the thought of being that rude!
I've been shushed and given the hold-on finger by a woman who walked into our shop and straight up to the counter while still on the phone. I think I'd done something bitchy like try to say good morning or somesuch. I was so shocked I didn't think to say or do anything until she'd already hung up >.< *facestabs*
I don't think I've ever had to deal with the corporate-ese, but I'd love the chance to act dumb and ask a Suit to explain what he's talking about to see if he actually can.
Corporate-ese used to drive me nuts at my old job… now I have to deal with bloated academia-speak instead! I think there's a certain type of person that is just inclined to overdo it with the big words.
Ohh yes. Get the fuck off your cell phone and look me in the eye while I'm ringing you up, customers! You can bet that if I, as a cashier, were talking with my friend and not paying any attention to the customer, doing only the bare minimum to keep our transaction going, the customer would be unsatisfied. IT WORKS BOTH WAYS.
I like your corporatese peeve. At least I could explain what some of those were…only then how do others see it! My major peeve is with drivers. But my other one would be when managers or supervisors fail to make solid decisions. We don't need a team meeting to decide what you need us to do! And when a decision is reached stick with it. Nothing worse than an unsure boss to inspire the team!
Yes, corporate-ese and all such job-specific jargon reminds me of art history. If you need me to do something, don't couch it in uber-intellectualism. Just say, “Please, go sharpen that pencil.”
That reminds me of the Friends episode where Chandler has to laugh at all his boss's jokes and he has a weird, special laugh just for that!
Your first point made me think of that movie, In Good Company, and how Topher Grace was all about “synergy”. Hahaha.
I'm sorry you ever had to deal with it!
Yeah, my fellow baristas and I (Or should it be bariste plural?) would always talk about writing a Barista's Manifesto and that was one of the top items.
It IS so they feel smarter… but most really smart people I know try to speak as clearly as possible if they want to communicate an idea or instructions to someone. I just wish I knew where it came from – is there a specific course in business school where they learn this language?!
And thanks for being one of the few who get off the phone!
“something bitchy like try to say good morning…”
HAH. Yeah, probably. You're so rude.
I love knowledge, but I don't think I could ever be part of academia in a significant way. That is probably a big part of why.
That is a great point!! People would freak right out if I were standing there on my cell phone.
Oh yeah… that is another big one you see in corporate situations — Meetings about what to discuss at the next meeting, “action plans” instead of action.
Exactly!
I haven't seen that movie, but now I think I need to!