As editor of a business journal, I’m by necessity a student of language and especially words and the way they’re used. That’s why I’m often fascinated by the news releases I receive and information I glean from the internet.

Did you know, for example, the word nikhedonia describes the feeling you experience when you’re playing a game or watching your favorite sports team compete and you realize you or it is going to win. Unfortunately for me and my fellow Denver Broncos fans, that seldom occurs.

How about the word crapulence, which describes the sickness or indisposition that results from excess drinking or eating?

I can’t argue against the prospect a lack of nikhedonia leads to crapulence. Especially on Monday mornings.

Then there’s a list I recently reviewed of slang terms from the 1930s. In the event you’re wondering what happens when some kaylied up nogoodnik blows your wig at the juke, it means a drunk who causes trouble infuriates you at a club.

I’m determined, by the way, to perpetuate some of the slang terms on the list through frequent use, including gobsmacked and cockamamie.

But what really caught my attention was a news release I received about a book written by Jo Anne Preston titled “Lead the Way in Five Minutes a Day: Sparking High Performance in Yourself and Your Team.” A workforce and organizational development manager, Preston believes business executives and other leaders should pay close attention to what they say and how they say it.
The news release went on to enumerate eight words and phrases leaders use that turn people off.

I’m fortunate in that I communicate most often in writing. That enables me to choose more carefully the words I use. Or should it be assess or select?

A couple of the words and phrases on Preston’s list made me wince. Which I guess is her point. Consider, for example, “subordinates.” That applies to anyone who works for or reports to a manager or owner. I’m a subordinate, too. But the word comes across like minions or flunkeys. Who wants to be called a subordinate?

Here’s another phrase from the list — “I’m a perfectionist.” Really? Or does that actually mean you hold others to unrealistically high expectations? Rather than strive for perfection, shouldn’t we all strive for excellence? That leaves room for recognition for jobs well done, even when they aren’t perfect.

Preston also warns leaders not to use descriptions like “the girls” or “you guys.” They’re obviously vague and, worse still, offensive. Even “y’all” is preferable — more so in some regions than others, I suspect.

As editor of a business journal and student of language, I’m an advocate for clear and compelling communication. In other — and maybe better words — I’m eager to avoid the huckmuck when things are out of place, especially when it comes to nitwittery or the old ackmarackus.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at phil@thebusinesstimes.com or 424-5133.