BK1

39 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)
the SLANGMAN GUIDE TO biz speak 1

o 1. Tina can’t afford to pay a lot of employees. That’s why she A. full-time job
wears several different hats.
B. reduction in salary
o 2. The boss is reducing expenses. I just got a paycut!
o 3. Bill works constantly. I’ve never known such a workaholic. C. decreasing the number
of employees
o 4. We need to hire some more employees because we’re
short-handed. D. lacking a sufficient
number of workers
o 5. The big wigs said we need to start making cutbacks. From
now on, there won’t be any more free coffee in the
E. reducing expenses
breakroom.
o 6. The company is downsizing. I hope I don’t lose my job! F. is responsible for several
different duties
o 7. David got tired of the rat race. That’s why he moved to the
country to work on a farm. G. money-makers
o 8. I came on board at this company two years ago.
H. compulsive worker
o 9. Ted just got a job. Now we have two breadwinners in the
family. I. was hired
o 10. I just got my first nine-to-five. Soon I’ll be able to afford a J. competitive business
new car! world
Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 40

Lesson 3 • chuck wears several haTs
A. DIALOGUE USING SLANG & IDIOMS

The words introduced on the first two pages are used in the
dialogue below. See if you can understand the conversation. CD-A: track 14
Steve: I can’t believe the boss is talking about downsizing and making cutbacks at a time
when we’re already short-handed. He even warned me that if the company doesn’t
start making more money, I may have to take a pay cut.
Chuck: That’s crazy! You’ve been wearing several different hats at your company ever
since you came on board. If anything, you should be getting a pay hike! I’ve never
seen such a workaholic like you!
Steve: I know. I get so tired of this rat race sometimes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m not the only
breadwinner in the family. My wife has a nine-to-five that pays really well.
B. DIALOGUE translated INto STANDARD ENGLISH

Below is a translation of the slang dialogue you just read. Let’s see
how much you remember! Just for fun, bounce around in
random order to the words and expressions in boldface below.
See if you can remember their slang equivalents without looking
at the top!
Steve: I can’t believe the boss is talking about decreasing the size of the company and
reducing expenses at a time when we’re already lacking a sufficient number
of workers. He even warned me that if the company doesn’t start making more
money, I may have to take a reduction in salary.
Chuck: That’s crazy! You’ve been responsible for several different duties at your
company ever since you began employment. If anything, you should be getting a
pay hike! I’ve never seen such a compulsive worker like you!
Steve: I know. I get so tired of this competitive and hurried business world
sometimes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m not the only money-maker in the family.
My wife has a full-time job that pays really well.

C. DIALOGUE USING “REAL SPEAK”
The dialogue below demonstrates how the slang conversation on
the opposite page would really be spoken by native speakers!
CD-A: track 15
Steve: I can’t b’lieve the boss’ez talking about downsizing ’n making cutbacks ad a time
when w’r already short-handed. He even warned me th’d if the company doesn’
start making more money, I may hafta take a pay cut.
Chuck: That’s crazy! You’ve been wearing sev’ral diff’rent hats at cher company ever
since ya came onboard. If anything, you should be gedding a pay hike! I’ve never
seen such a workaholic like you!
Steve: I know. I get so tired ’ev this rat race sometimes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m not the
only breadwinner ’n the fam’ly. My wife has a nine-da-five th’t pays really well.

vocabulary
The following words and expressions were used in the previous
dialogues. Let’s take a closer look at what they mean.
CD-A: track 16
breadwinner n. money-maker.
example: Both my children just got their first jobs today. I’m so
excited! Now we have two more breadwinners in the
family!
translation: Both my children just got their first jobs today. I’m so
excited! Now we have two more money-makers in the
family!
"real speak": Both my children jus’ got their first jobs taday. I’m so
excided! Now we have two more breadwinners ’n the
fam’ly!
Note: This comes from the outdated slang word bread meaning
“money.” It’s interesting to note that although the term
bread is rarely used any more as a slang word for “money,”
the term breadwinner is still in usage!
Synonym 1: nine-to-fiver n. someone who has a full-time job.
Synonym 2: working stiff n.
NOW YOU DO IT. COMPLETE THE PHRASE ALOUD:
...is the breadwinner in our family.
come on board (to) exp. to begin employment.

example: I came on board here ten years ago and I still haven’t
gotten a promotion.
translation: I began employment here ten years ago and I still
haven’t gotten a promotion.
"real speak": I came on board here ten years ago ’n I still haven’t
gott’n a pruhmotion.
Also: bring someone on board (to) exp. to employ some-
one.
Note: The expression, to come on board, is a nautical term
meaning “to come onto a ship” since its floor is made of
planks or boards. It’s common to greet a passenger, or an
employee, by saying either “Welcome on board!” or
“Welcome aboard!”
I came on board ... ago.

cutbacks n.pl. reductions in spending and/or personnel.
example: The company lost money last year. So this year, we need to
make some cutbacks.
translation: The company lost money last year. So this year, we need to
make some reductions in spending.
"real speak": The company lost money last year. So this year, we need ta
make s’m cutbacks.
Also: cut back (to) exp. to make reductions by spending less.
Synonym: cut to the bone (to) exp. to make drastic
reductions by spending less.
My company is making cutbacks such as...
downsize (to) v. to decrease the size of a company (such as personnel, budgets and physical space).
example: I just heard that our company is going to be downsizing.
I hope that doesn’t mean I may lose my job!
translation: I just heard that our company is going to be decreasing
its size. I hope that doesn’t mean I may lose my job!
"real speak": I just heard th’d ’ar company’s gonna be downsizing.
I hope that doesn’t mean I may lose my job!
Synonym: trim the fat (to) exp. • (lit.): used by butchers to
describe removing the unwanted fat from a cut of meat.
My company is downsizing because...
nine-to-five exp. a full-time job (which is typically from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.).
example: I’ve been working as a temporary employee for a year. But
today I landed my first nine-to-five!
translation: I’ve been working as a temporary employee for a year. But
today I landed my first full-time job!
"real speak": I’ve been working ’ez a temperary employee fer a year. B’t
taday I landed my firs’ nine-da-five!
Also 1: daily grind exp. one’s daily occupational routine.
Also 2: line of business exp. occupation • What line of business
are you in?; What is your occupation?
Also 3: salt mines n.pl. one’s workplace (since working in a salt
mine is extremely difficult work) • I need to get back to the
salt mines; I need to get back to work.
Also 4: trenches n.pl. one’s workplace (since digging a trench is
extremely difficult work) • (lit.): ditch.
Also 5: what one does exp. one’s occupation • What do you
do?; What is your occupation?
My first nine-to-five was as a ...

pay cut n. a reduction in salary.

example: Our boss is asking all the employees to take a pay cut
because the company lost money last year.
translation: Our boss is asking all the employees to take a reduction
in salary because the company lost money last year.
"real speak": ’Ar boss ’ez asking all the employees ta take a pay cut
b’cause the company lost money last year.
My boss gave me a pay cut today because...
rat race exp. the competitive and hurried business world.

example: My sister got tired of the rat race. Now she lives in the
country raising chickens.
translation: My sister got tired of the competitive and hurried
business world. Now she lives in the country raising
chickens.
"real speak": My sister got tired ’a the rat race. Now she lives ’n the
country raising chickens.
Synonym: hustle and bustle exp. refers to the competitive and
hurried pace of business, or simply everyday life.
I’m tired of the rat race because...
short-handed (to be) adj. to be lacking a sufficient number of workers.

example: We’re short-handed today. We really need to hire
some help!
translation: We’re lacking a sufficient number of workers
today. We really need to hire some help!
"real speak": W’r short-handed taday. We really need da hire s’m
help!
Variation: caught short (to be) exp.
We’re short-handed today because...
wear several [different] hats (to) exp. to have several [different] responsibilities.
example: Irene is a medical doctor, school counselor and a mother.
She wears several [different] hats!
translation: Irene is a medical doctor, school counselor and a mother.
She has several [different] responsibilities!
"real speak": Irene’s a medical docter, school couns’ler ’n a mother. She
wears sev’ral [diff’rent] hats!
Karen wears several [different] hats at her company
such as...

workaholic n. compulsive worker.
example: Jordan never takes any time off from work. He works day
and night and even on weekends! I’ve never met such a
workaholic in my life!
translation: Jordan never takes any time off from work. He works day
and night and even on weekends! I’ve never met such a
compulsive worker in my life!
"real speak": Jordan never takes any time off fr’m work. He works day ’n
night ’an even on weekends! I’ve never met such a
workaholic ’n my life!
Also: wrapped up in one’s work (to be/get) exp. to
be/get completely engrossed in one’s work.
Synonym 1: buried in one’s work (to be/get) exp.
Synonym 2: eaten up by one’s work (to be/get)
exp.
Synonym 3: swallowed up by one’s work (to be/
get) exp.
Synonym 4: taken over by one’s work (to be/get)
exp.
Synonym 5: wound up in one’s work (to be/get)
exp.
I think... is a workaholic because...

A. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Choose the correct definition of the words in boldface.
1. to come on board: CD-A: track 17

o to begin employment
o to get reprimanded by the boss
2. cutbacks:
o raises in salary
o reductions in spending and/or personnel
3. breadwinner:
o boss
o money-maker
4. to wear several [different] hats:

o to have several [different] responsibilities
o to own several [different] hats
5. rat race:
o the competitive and hurried business world
o the relaxed pace of the business world
6. workaholic:
o compulsive worker
o someone who doesn’t work very hard
7. nine-to-five:
o a break from work that lasts around nine minutes
o a full-time job
8. to be short-handed:
o to be lacking a sufficient number of workers
o to be working too slowly
9. to downsize:
o to work a little more slowly
o to decrease the size of a company
10. pay cut:

o a reduction in salary
o a raise in salary

B. COMPLETE THE FAIRY TALE
Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct words
from the list at the bottom of the page.
CD-A: track 18

c. CONTEXT EXERCISE
Look at the phrase in the left column, then find the best match
in the right column. Write the appropriate letter in the box.
CD-A: track 19
o 1. Ken works seven days a week, twelve A. It sounds like you wear several
hours a day! [different] hats at your company. It
must get pretty tiring!
o 2. I just got my first job. My parents are

going to be so excited! B. Yes. I came on board two days ago.
o 3. At my job, I answer the phones, type

all the correspondence, do the C. Really? Why did you get a paycut?
accounting and greet the customers.
D. When did your company start

o 4. I haven’t seen you here before. Are downsizing?
you new to the company?
o 5. This month I made half the salary

E. Do you think they’ll have to start making
cutbacks?
I made last month.
o 6. I’m so tired of working temporary F. What a workaholic!

jobs. It’s so unstable.
G. If you’re so short-handed, why don’t

o 7. Last week we had twenty employees. you hire more people?
This week we only have fourteen.
o 8. Our company is starting to lose money H. Why don’t you look for a
because our products aren’t selling. nine-to-five?
o 9. We never have enough salespeople to I. It sounds like she’s tired of the rat race.
service our customers. Maybe she needs to move to the country
and get a low-stress job.
o 10. Jill’s been working in a large company

for years and has never enjoyed it.
J. I’m sure they’ll be glad to know they
She always has a headache and a have another breadwinner in the
stomachache from the stress. family.

D. COMPLETE THE PHRASE
Complete the opening dialogue using the list below. Try not
to look at the dialogue at the beginning of the lesson until
you’re done! CD-A: track 20
cut workaholic
backs hats
rat nine
board sizing
bread handed
Steve: I can’t believe the boss is talking about down ________________________ and making
cut____________ at a time when we’re already short-________________. He even
warned me that if the company doesn’t start making more money, I may have to take a
pay _________.
Chuck: That’s crazy! You’ve been wearing several [different] __________ at your
company ever since you came on__________. If anything, you should be getting a pay
hike! I’ve never seen such a ________________ like you!
Steve: I know. I get so tired of this ________ race sometimes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m not the
only ______________winner in the family. My wife has a ______________-to-five that
pays really well.

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)
pack it in (to) exp. to leave work. translation: You’re not going to believe this.
I walked into the office this
example: Well, I’m going to pack it in. I’ll morning and the boss handed
see you tomorrow morning. me my notice of termination!
translation: Well, I’m going to leave work.
I’ll see you tomorrow morning.
"real speak": Well, I’m gonna pack id in. A’ll
see ’ya damorrow morning.
Variation: pack up (to) exp.
paper trail exp. documented evidence of one’s

actions.
example: If you’re having a disagreement
with one of the clients, never
discuss it with him on the phone.
Make sure to put everything in
writing. That way you’ll have a
"real speak":
Y’r not gonna believe this.
paper trail.
I walked inta the office th’s
translation: If you’re having a disagreement morning an’ the boss handed me
with one of the clients, never my pink slip!
discuss it with him on the phone. Synonym: See walking papers, p. 58.
Make sure to put everything in
writing. That way you’ll have Note 1: In the above example, the verb
documented evidence of handed was used. This is an
everything you’ve both said extremely popular slang term
and done. meaning “to give.”
Note 2: A pink slip also refers to the
"real speak": If y’r having a disagreement with
official ownership documentation
one ’a the clients, never discuss it
for your car.
with ’im on the phone. Make sure
da pud ev’rything ’n wriding.
That way you’ll have a paper plug away at something (to) exp. to work
trail. persistently on something.
example: I’ve been plugging away at
this book for almost three years.
pink slip n. a piece of paper notifying you that I should be done in just a few
your employment has just been terminated. more days!
example: You’re not going to believe this. translation: I’ve been working
I walked into the office this persistenly on this book for
morning and the boss handed almost three years. I should be
me my pink slip! done in just a few more days!

"real speak": I’ve been plugging away ’it example: I need you to send this document
this book fer almost three years. to our word processing
I should be done ’n just a few department. Put a rush on it.
more days! The boss needs it right away.
translation: I need you to send this document
pull some strings (to) exp. to accomplish
to our word processing
something by using one’s influence.
department. Hurry the
example: We’re not hiring anyone right process. The boss needs it right
now, but I was able to pull away.
some strings and get you an
interview with the owner of the "real speak": I need ’ja da send this docyam’nt
company! to ’ar word processing
department. Pud a rush on it.
translation: We’re not hiring anyone right
The boss needs it ride away.
now, but I was able to use my
influence and get you an
interview with the owner of the put one’s nose to the grindstone (to)
company! exp. to concentrate and work very hard.
"real speak": W’r not hiring anyone right now,
example: I need you all to put your nose
b’t I w’z able da pull s’m
to the grindstone. We have to
strings ’n get’chu ’n in’erview
get this project done in exactly
with the owner ’a the company!
one week!
pull the plug on the project (to) exp. to translation: I need you all to concentrate
terminate a project abruptly. and work very hard. We
example: The boss just pulled the plug have to get this project done in
on the project because there’s exactly one week!
no money left to fund it. "real speak": I need ’ja all da put ’chur nose
ta the grin’stone. We hafta get
this project done ’n exactly one
week!
Note: This expression comes from the
13th century when a worker
would sharpen his tools on a
round, spinning stone resembling
a wheel. The workers would
operate so closely to the
grindstone, that it looked as if
their noses were practically
touching it.
put someone/something on the map

(to) exp. to make someone/something well
translation: The boss just terminated the known and popular.
project because there’s no
example: Our new discovery for anti-aging
money left to fund it.
cream is sure to put our
company on the map.
"real speak": The boss jus’ pulled the plug
on the project b’cause there’s no translation: Our new discovery for anti-aging
money left ta fund it. cream is sure to make our
company popular.
"real speak": ’Ar new discovery fer anti-aging
put a rush on something (to) exp. to hurry cream is sher da pud ’ar
the process of something. company on the map.

put someone on hold (to) exp. to redirect
a person’s telephone call to a type of
“telephonic waiting room” (where music is
often played) until that person can be served.
example: I’ll see if Mr. Burke can speak
with you. Let me put you on
hold for just a moment. I’ll be
right back.
translation: I’ll see if Mr. Burke can speak
with you. Let me redirect your
call to our “telephonic
waiting room” for just a
moment. I’ll be right back.
"real speak": A’ll see if Mr. Burke c’n speak
"real speak": Why ’er ya typing thad over
with you. Lemme put ’chu on
again? It w’z typed munts ago.
hold fer just a moment. A’ll be
Jus’ copy id inta yer docyam’nt.
right back.
Why reinvent the wheel
when ya don’t need to?
racket n. a business that cheats people.
run off something (to) exp. to print (from a
example: A salesman just asked me if I printer, photocopy machine, etc.).
wanted to invest a thousand example: Could you please run off three
dollars in an oil well that would copies of this document for me?
make me a millionaire in one
translation: Could you please print three
week. It sounds like a racket if
you ask me. copies of this document for me?
"real speak": Could ’ju please run off three
translation: A salesman just asked me if I
copies ’ev this docyam’nt fer me?
wanted to invest a thousand
dollars in an oil well that would run the show (to) exp. to be in charge.
make me a millionaire in one example: I know you don’t agree with the
week. It sounds like a business boss, but you need to stop
that cheats people if you ask arguing with him. He’s running
me. the show, not you.
"real speak": A salesman just ast me if I wan’ed
ta invest a thousan’ dollers in ’n
oil well that would make me a
millionaire ’n one week. It soun’s
like a racked if ya ask me.
reinvent the wheel (to) exp. to recreate

something that already exists.
example: Why are you typing that over
again? It was typed months ago.
Just copy it into your document.
Why reinvent the wheel
when you don’t need to?
translation: Why are you typing that over
again? It was typed months ago.
Just copy it into your document. translation: I know you don’t agree with the
Why recreate something that boss, but you need to stop
already exists when you don’t arguing with him. He’s in
need to? charge, not you.

"real speak": I know ya don’ agree with the set up shop (to) exp. to open a business.
boss, but ’cha need da stop example: We’re going to set up shop
arguing with ’im. He’s running next week. I hope you’ll come to
the show, not ’chu. our grand opening!
sacked (to get) adj. to get fired. translation: We’re going to start our
business next week. I hope
example: Did you hear the news? Margaret
you’ll come to our grand
got sacked today because she
opening!
was caught stealing supplies from
the company. "real speak": W’r gonna sed up shop next
week. I hope you’ll come ta ’ar
translation: Did you hear the news? Margaret
grand op’ning!
got fired today because she was
caught stealing supplies from the
company. shark n. a dishonest businessperson.
"real speak": Did ’ja hear the news? Marg’ret
example: Be careful when you do business
got sack’ taday b’cause she w’z with Rob. I hear he can be a real
caught stealing supplies fr’m the shark.
company.
Note: This comes from the time when
criminals would have their lives
ended by getting their heads
chopped off as punishment.
Before their heads were chopped
off, they would typically have a
sack put over their heads.
scuttlebutt n. office gossip.

example: So what’s the scuttlebutt about
the boss and the new employee?
translation: Be careful when you do business
translation: So what’s the gossip about the
with Rob. I hear he can be a
boss and the new employee?
really dishonest business-
"real speak": So what’s the scuddlebud person.
about the boss ’n the new
employee? "real speak": Be careful when ya do business
Synonym: See watercooler gossip, p. 58. with Rob. I hear ’e c’n be a real
shark.
seat-of-the-pants operation exp. a Also 1: A shark is also: 1) a person who is

business operated on instinct and guesswork. very skilled. For example: Jerry is
example: I don’t know how that company a card shark; Jerry is a very
is successful. It’s a seat-of-the- skilled card player • 2) a greedy
pants operation. and devious person who preys
upon others through trickery.
translation: I don’t know how that company
is successful. It’s a business Also 2: loan-shark n. a person who
operated on instinct and lends money at an excessive rate
guesswork. of interest.
"real speak": I dunno how that company’s
successful. It’s a sead-’a-the-
pants operation. shoo-in n. someone who is certain to win.
Also: fly by the seat of one’s pants example: Good luck on your job interview.
(to) exp. to improvise due to With all your experience, you’re
lack of experience. a shoo-in for the job.

translation: Good luck on your job interview. example: Earl used to be a good worker,
With all your experience, you’re but over the past month he’s
sure to win the job. really been slacking off.
"real speak": Good luck on yer job in’erview. translation: Earl used to be a good worker,
With all yer experience, y’r a but over the past month he’s
shoo-in fer the job. really been decreasing his
productivity.
skirt the issue (to) exp. to avoid the topic. "real speak": Earl usta be a good worker, b’d
example: Pat never answered my question. over the past month ’e’s really
He just kept skirting the been slacking off.
issue. Note: Since the trend in colloquial
translation: Pat never answered my question. speech, (a fancy name for
He just kept avoiding the “everyday speech”) is to shorten,
topic. Shorten, SHORTEN, it’s very
common to drop the preposition
"real speak": Pat never answered my question.
in many two-word verbs. In this
He jus’ kept skirding the
case, it would be very acceptable
issue.
to shorten the verb, “to slack off”
to “to slack.”
sick day n. a day when you’re absent from work
Also: slacker n. one who is not very
due to illness but still getting paid (since many
productive at work.
companies have a policy where they will
continue to pay your salary for a certain
small-time business exp. a little, insignificant
number of days when you’re sick).
business which doesn’t make a lot of money.
example: I woke up with a terrible
example: Don’t worry about Bob’s
headache and a fever. I’m going
company competing with yours.
to take a sick day today and
He has a small-time business.
stay in bed.
translation: Don’t worry about Bob’s
translation: I woke up with a terrible
company competing with yours.
headache and a fever. I’m going
He has a little, insignificant
to take a paid day off from
business.
work today and stay in bed.
"real speak": Don’t worry about Bob’s
"real speak": I woke up with a terr’ble
company compeding with yers.
headache ’n a fever. I’m gonna
He has a small-time business.
take a sick day daday ’n stay ’n
bed. Antonym: big-time business exp. a
business which is highly
slack off (to) exp. to decrease one’s successful.
productivity. Also 1: big-time (to be) adj. to be very
successful.
Also 2: big-time [noun] (to be a) n.
to be a very successful person •
Leon is a big-time movie director;
Leon is a very successful movie
director.
Also 3: small-time operator n. an
insignificant businessperson who
doesn’t make a lot of money.
step out (to) exp. to leave temporarily.

example: I have to step out for a doctor’s
appointment. I’ll be back in a few
hours.

translation: I have to leave temporarily translation: The government deducts a lot
for a doctor’s appointment. I’ll be of money from my paycheck
back in a few hours. each month. They take about
"real speak": I hafta step out fer a docder’s forty percent in taxes of
appointment. A’ll be back ’n a everything I make!
few hours. "real speak": The gover’ment takes a big
bide oudda my paycheck
each month. They take fordy
stet n. “ignore the changes and keep the
percen ’n taxes ’ev ev’rything
original”(seen in a document that is going to
I make!
be typed).
example: When you type this into your
computer, make sure to make all take a break (to) exp. to stop working
the corrections you see here. But temporarily in order to relax.
notice that this next sentence is example: I’ve been working nonstop for six
stet. hours. I’m going to take a
translation: When you type this into your break.
computer, make sure to make all translation: I’ve been working nonstop for six
the corrections you see here. But hours. I’m going to stop
notice that this next sentence is working for a moment and
to stay as the original, so relax.
ignore the changes I made. "real speak": I’ve been working nonstop fer six
"real speak": When ya type this inta yer hours. I’m gonna take a break.
c’mpuder, make sher da make all Variation: go on break (to) exp.
the corrections ya see here. B’t
nodice th’t this next’ sen’ence is
stet. take a letter (to) exp. to write down the
words said by someone else and later put
them in typewritten format.
stickies n. small, square yellow pieces of paper
with a sticky material on the back used for example: Ms. Jones, I need you to take a
posting little reminder notes. letter. Please come into my
office.
example: I’m going to put a stickie on
your computer to remind you translation: Ms. Jones, I need you to write
about our meeting at eleven down my words and later

o’clock. put them in typewritten
format. Please come into my
translation: I’m going to put a small,
office.
square reminder note on
your computer to remind you "real speak": Ms. Jones, I need’ju da take a
about our meeting at eleven ledder. Please come inta my
o’clock. office.
"real speak": I’m gonna pud a stickie on yer
take lunch (to) exp. to go on one’s lunch
c’mpuder da remin’ju aboud ’ar
break.
meeding ’ad eleven a’clock.
example: I’m going to take lunch early
Synonym: post-it n. and go to my doctor’s
appointment.
take a big bite out of one’s paycheck
translation: I’m going to take my lunch
(to) exp. said of some deduction from one’s
break early and go to my
paycheck.
doctor’s appointment.
example: The government takes a big
"real speak": I’m gonna take lunch early ’n
bite out of my paycheck
each month. They take about go da my docter’s appointment.
forty percent in taxes of
everything I make! take on (to) exp. to hire an employee.

example: We took on a new employee
today. He’s going to be managing
the entire office.
translation: We hired a new employee
today. He’s going to be managing
the entire office.
"real speak": We took on a new employee
daday. He’s gonna be managing
the entire office.
talk a good game (to) exp. to talk with

confidence and expertise.
Variation: all tied up (to be) exp.
example: Bill talks a good game but I’m
starting to doubt his experience.
He’s been making too many toe the line (to) exp. to follow the rules
mistakes in his job. conscientiously.
translation: Bill talks with confidence example: I’m warning you. If you don’t
and expertise but I’m starting start to toe the line around
to doubt his experience. He’s here, you’re going to get fired.
been making too many mistakes translation: I’m warning you. If you don’t
in his job. start to follow the rules
"real speak": Bill talks a good game b’d I’m around here, you’re going to get
starding da doub ’is experience. fired.
He’s been making too many "real speak": I’m warning ya. If ya don’t start ta
mistakes in ’is job. toe the line around here, y’r
gonna get fired.
throw someone out on his/her ear (to)
exp. (may be used figuratively or literally) to trim the fat (to) exp. to make reductions,
throw someone out of a place such as an such as the termination of employees who are
office, a restaurant, etc. – However, when not productive.
used in reference to an office, it means “to fire example: Our company is spending a lot of
someone.” money on salaries but our
example: When Mel was caught drinking productivity is going down.
on the job again, the boss threw I think it’s time to trim the fat
him out on his ear. and hire some new, motivated
translation: When Mel was caught drinking
employees.
on the job again, the boss fired translation: Our company is spending a lot of
him. money on salaries but our
"real speak": When Mel w’z caught drinking
productivity is going down.
on the job again, the boss threw I think it’s time to terminate
’im oud on ’is ear. the employees who are not
productive and hire some new,
motivated employees.
tied up (to be) adj. to be busy.
"real speak": ’Ar company’s spending a lod ’ev
example: Can you call back in an hour? money on salaries b’d ’ar
Mr. Hunter is tied up at the productividy’s going down.
moment. I think it’s time da trim the fat
translation: Can you call back in an hour? ’n hire s’m new, modivaded
Mr. Hunter is busy at the employees.
moment.
"real speak": C’n ya call back in ’n hour? Mr. troubleshooter n. a repairperson whose job is
Hunter’s tied up ’it the moment. to locate the problem and fix it.

example: Our photocopier isn’t working "real speak": The boss fin’lly confron(t)ed
again. Call a troubleshooter George ’n told ’im thad ’is work
fast! isn’ up ta par. If things don’t
translation: Our photocopier isn’t working change, he’s gonna get fired!
again. Call a repairperson fast! Note: This expression comes from golf
where par is the standard
number of strokes to take for
a hole.
walk (to) v. to stop working or giving services

because of dissatisfaction.
example: If the boss doesn’t give me a
raise, I’m going to walk!
translation: If the boss doesn’t give me a
raise, I’m going to stop
working!
"real speak": If the boss doesn’t gimme a raise,
I’m gonna walk!
Note: As mentioned before, the trend
in everyday conversation is to
"real speak":
shorten and drop prepositions at
’Ar phodocopier isn’ working
the end of verbs. This verb
again. Call a troubleshooder
originated as “to walk out,” but is
fast!
now typically heard without the
Also: troubleshoot (to) v. to locate preposition “out.”
a problem and fix it.
walking papers n.pl. (always used in the plural
typo n. an error made while typing. form even if it’s just one piece of paper) a notice
example: I read your document and it that one’s employment has been terminated.
looks great except for a few example: As soon as I arrived at work this
simple typos. morning, my boss gave me my
translation: I read your document and it walking papers. She said that
looks great except for a few I wasn’t doing a good job and
simple errors made while she had no choice.
typing. translation: As soon as I arrived at work this
"real speak": I read’jer docyam’nt an’ it looks morning, my boss gave me my
gread except fer a few simple notice of job termination.
typos. She said that I wasn’t doing a
good job and she had no choice.
up to par (to be) exp. to meet acceptable "real speak": As soon ’ez I arrived ’it work th’s
standards. morning, my boss ga’me my
example: The boss finally confronted walking papers. She said th’d
George and told him that his I wasn’t doing a good job ’n she
work isn’t up to par. If things had no choice.
don’t change, he’s going to get
fired! water cooler gossip exp. gossip
translation: The boss finally confronted communicated at the office water cooler.
George and told him that his example: I know it’s just water cooler
work isn’t meeting acceptable gossip, but I heard that Mary is
standards. If things don’t the boss’s daughter and no one is
change, he’s going to get fired! supposed to know!

translation: I know it’s just gossip "real speak": Ev’ryday ’it work, I type fer ’it
communicated at the office leas’ six hours, do errands ’n
water cooler, but I heard that make phone calls. I work my
Mary is the boss’s daughter and fingers ta the bone b’d I don’t
no one is supposed to know! min’ b’cause my boss really
"real speak": I know it’s just wader cooler appreciates me.
gossip, b’d I heard th’t Mary is
the boss’s dauder an’ no one’s workhorse (to be a) n. someone who works
sappoz’ ta know! tirelessly.
work odd jobs (to) exp. to work by doing example: If you want something to get
unspecialized and unrelated jobs. done, ask Irene. She’s a
workhorse.
example: I don’t have an actual job. I just
work odd jobs wherever I can. translation: If you want something to get
translation: I don’t have an actual job. I just done, ask Irene. She’s a tireless
work at doing unspecialized worker.
and unrelated jobs wherever "real speak": If ya want something ta get done,
I can. ask Irene. She’s a workhorse.
"real speak": I don’t have ’n actual job. I just
work odd jobs wherever I can. working stiff exp. a laborer, common worker.
example: I’m just a working stiff and
work one’s fingers to the bone (to) exp. I’m glad. I wouldn’t want the
to work extremely hard. responsibility of owning a
example: Everyday at work, I type for at company.
least six hours, do errands and
make phone calls. I work my translation: I’m just a common worker and
fingers to the bone but I don’t I’m glad. I wouldn’t want the
mind because my boss really responsibility of owning a
appreciates me. company.
"real speak": I’m just a working stiff ’n I’m
glad. I wouldn’ want the
responsibilidy ’ev owning a
company.
Xerox something (to) v. to photocopy

something.
example: Would you xerox ten copies of
this for me?
translation: Would you photocopy ten
copies of this for me?
translation: Everyday at work, I type for at "real speak": Would’ju xerox ten copies ’ev
least six hours, do errands and this fer me?
make phone calls. I work Note: The Xerox company, which
extremely hard but I don’t makes photocopiers, became so
mind because my boss really popular that its name has
appreciates me. become a commonly used verb!

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39 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

the SLANGMAN GUIDE TO biz speak 1

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 40

A. DIALOGUE USING SLANG & IDIOMS

B. DIALOGUE translated INto STANDARD ENGLISH

41 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 42

come on board (to) exp. to begin employment.

43 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 44

pay cut n. a reduction in salary.

rat race exp. the competitive and hurried business world.

short-handed (to be) adj. to be lacking a sufficient number of workers.

45 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 46

A. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1. to come on board: CD-A: track 17

4. to wear several [different] hats:

10. pay cut:

47 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 48

o 2. I just got my first job. My parents are

o 3. At my job, I answer the phones, type

D. When did your company start

o 5. This month I made half the salary

o 6. I’m so tired of working temporary F. What a workaholic!

G. If you’re so short-handed, why don’t

o 10. Jill’s been working in a large company

49 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

cut____________ at a time when we’re already short-________________. He even

hike! I’ve never seen such a ________________ like you!

only ______________winner in the family. My wife has a ______________-to-five that

pays really well.

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 50

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

paper trail exp. documented evidence of one’s

51 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

put someone/something on the map

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 52

reinvent the wheel (to) exp. to recreate

53 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

scuttlebutt n. office gossip.

seat-of-the-pants operation exp. a Also 1: A shark is also: 1) a person who is

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 54

step out (to) exp. to leave temporarily.

55 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

about our meeting at eleven down my words and later

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 56

talk a good game (to) exp. to talk with

57 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

walk (to) v. to stop working or giving services

Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z) 58

Xerox something (to) v. to photocopy

59 Even More General Workplace Slang & Idioms (P-Z)

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cut at a time when we’re already short-____. He even

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