Wednesday, December 24, 2008

English with an American Corporate Accent - 002

I was in the California Bay Area for a business meeting this past November. It was a busy two weeks as I had to meet many people with my new job and different responsibilities. I picked up some business jargon to share with those who might be interested. It works best if you can find a native English speaker with exposure to corporate America to elaborate on the finer points that I cannot cover well here.

* Hey, when the rubber meets the road, she'll have nothing to say anymore. [Hey, when reality kicks in, she'll have nothing to say anymore.]
* We are also making inroads into the European markets in the last quarter. [We are also making progress into the European markets in the last quarter.]
* Trying to get project details from Brian is like pulling his teeth. [It is very difficult to get project details from Brian.]
* You have been really lucky to get the code review done recently. Knock on wood! [I am counting on my luck, don't break it...]
* I'll do that for sure. Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a thousand needles in my eye... [promising to the extent of almost swearing...]
* Finally, our big server order prayers are answered. [ Finally, our big server order wishes are answered.]
* You really don't want to get into that pissing contest with them. [You really don't want to get into meaningless arguments with them.]
* If the devil is in the details, outline the devil. [If we have to address the real issue, let's outline that.]
* Hey, you better all pony up and finish that project. [Hey, you better all get serious and finish that project.]
* Paul, why don't you table that item for the next meeting? [Paul, why don't you record and discuss that item in the next meeting?]