As both the editor of a business journal and something of a grammar curmudgeon, I loathe the ways in which the elegant language of Shakespeare is abused. Confusion over there, their and they’re. Subject-verb disagreement. Incorrect capitalization. The use of literally rather than figuratively. Don’t even get me started on Oxford commas. I loathe them, too.

But what really twists my knickers are the buzzwords and jargon that emerge from the business world when just the opposite should be commonplace. Owners and managers adept at selling products and services in straightforward and compelling fashion should be no less proficient in communicating with employees and motivating them.

As is so often the case, I’m wrong. And I’m not the only one who’s disgusted.

Careerminds.com — an outplacement, leadership and career development services provider — conducted a survey of 3,000 employees to ask them about the most detested buzzwords and jargon used by their managers.

Drum roll, please. Here, in reverse order, is the list of the top 10 business buzzwords Colorado employees most dislike: Spidey sense. Idea harvesting. Mission critical. Deliverables. Push the envelope. Effective acclerationism. Act your wage. Bleeding edge. Change agent. And the most despised phrase of all: balls in the air.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps owners and managers use these abhorrent words and phrases with the best intentions. They believe they’re motivating and even inspiring employees. Or they suppose they appear more professional or intelligent. As employees confirm over and over, they don’t.

I contend as a journalist just the opposite holds true. Whether they’re speaking with customers, investors or especially employees, owners and managers should consider what they want and then ask for it as clearly as possible. To keep it simple.

But don’t take just my words for it. In a news release announcing the results of its survey, Careerminds.com offered this advice: “Managers should take a moment to assess the language they use in the workplace. It’s crucial to recognize that the words we choose can significantly impact team morale and motivation. By opting for clear and meaningful dialogue over jargon, leaders can foster a more inclusive engaging and productive environment.”

Two more words come to mind.

More than two decades ago, I worked for a time for a regional agricultural weekly newspaper based in Oregon. The publisher at the time used to come into the newsroom every morning with a pot of coffee to fill the mugs of the reporters who worked there. We hailed this congenial man as a prince. He hung a sign in his office displaying those two important words: eschew obfuscation.

That was good advice back then for newspapers reporters. It remains good advice these days for business owners and managers.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or phil@thebusinesstimes.com.