Product Review

This caustically funny Webster€s of the workplace cuts to the true meaning of the inane argot spouted in cubicles and conference rooms across the land.

At a price even an intern can afford and in a handy paperback format that won€t weigh down your messenger bag or briefcase, The Dictionary of Corporate Bullshit is a hilarious guide to the smoke-screen terms and passive-aggressive phrases we traffic in every day. Each entry begins with a straight definition followed by a series of alternative meanings that are, of course, what is really meant.

Take, for example, the widely used, seemingly innocuous term brainstorming:

1. to generate ideas as a group in an accepting environment and in a free-form manner
2. a supposedly relaxed forum in which no idea is a bad idea €“ that is, until you generate a bad idea and are met with uncomfortable silence/looks that suggest you are retarded or really uncool/the feeling that you are about to be fired

Beyond deciphering corporate commonplaces, you€ll learn the PC term for secret Santa (Holiday Harry); why the Blackberry is €œmost commonly referred to as a €˜Crackberry€ due to its highly addictive nature€; and that when a co-worker says €œHave a good night€, they really mean: €œthis meaningless, seemingly interminable exchange of small talk is now over. I am no longer speaking to you, and will now flee this awkward social situation. Don€t even think of asking which way I€m walking.€

Just remember to read this only at COB (close of business) to avoid being busted (caught idling by your boss).