Buzz Words
Some classic phrases recorded from Adam's working life. Most come from a particular project manager on a particular project, which are, together, responsible for any grey hairs on Adam's head.
| Saying | Context | Meaning |
| We’ll run the gauntlet | - | Not sure if it’s the right thing to do or not, but we’ll march on anyway – mostly because I can’t think of anything else and can’t be bothered to work out what the right thing might be. |
| I’ve spoken to Adam, not directly, but it’s my understanding… | Build up to FQT, assessing the scope of changes | I don’t have the faintest idea of what the hell is going on but need to feed some bull to the customer, what can I say? |
| I’m two levels above all that | Build up to FQT, assessing the scope of changes | I don’t have the faintest idea what this project is about and don’t want to be associated with anything that might not be ontime or successful. Is my pointyhair sticking up alright? |
| I'm just missing the full stop on the end of the Pascal program. | Making sure that our ducks are in a row, while warning about the devil in the detail | If I try and look like I understand this geeky stuff, will you all like and respect me? |
| Typically… | Used extensively. Often when launching into a long explanation of something, normally at the whiteboard. | It’s an attempt to make the other person feel like an idiot because they really ought to know how this sort of thing works. It is typically incorrect. |
| I don’t really want to have an opinion | Discussing the time customer witnessed testing should start. | I don’t want anyone to be able to point the finger at me and say I was responsible for anything on the AMTS project. |
| We’re within striking distance | Providing a status assessment | Don’t know – think it must be something to do with us being on the home straight, but nothing to do with him being a pussycat. |
| I don’t know what’s going on | Providing a status assessment | A surprisingly frank and honest assessment… |
| There are alternatives, like panic. | When discussing the options available to address a slipping schedule. | I’ve run out of ideas, how about you guys? |
| I don’t understand the buzzwords like “graphics”. | When being told what is involved with creating a build. | I’m making a joke which I hope will make you like me. See Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. |
| I’m confident that Phil… | When somebody else is doing something that he hopes will work out so that he doesn’t have to do anything about it. | No more than a vague idea about the issues involved, no interest in finding out what the issues are, and, God, I hope Phil has sorted it all out. |
| It could be hours away… | When something we promised we’d do is expected. | I hope it shows up shortly, otherwise someone will bully me again. |