Buzzword Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.9-10.5.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Buzzwords are terms that are often used in the business world. They are usually words or phrases that communicate technical meanings and they often used to sound important. To the general person, outside of that industry, buzzwords hold little to no meaning. Buzzwords are often referred to as “show off” words because they often are used to reflect the speaker’s level of knowledge or status with the community. While these types of vocabulary terms may seem a bit snobbish and something you may want to avoid using in your communications, they can hold a great deal of meaning and validate your thoughts in the right settings. Below you will find a series of worksheets that will help us explore these types of terms and help students learn when to use them in their communications.

Buzzword Worksheets:

Marketing - These are general terms that are related to marketing. Match each term to its meaning. Not all words will be used.

Crossing Paths - Identify the field where you are most likely to encounter each buzzword. Define each term.

In Business - See if you can understand the meaning of all of these terms and phrases.

Industries - Sort these terms by their industry. These include education, health care, and marketing.

Synthesis - See if you can come with the term that is being described for you.

Field Specific - See if you know any of these industry specific terms.

In the Media - Explore how the media uses these terms in their own pieces.

Millennials - Those Millennials, they love their acronyms.

As Time Goes By - Every field, industry, population group, and interest group tend to have buzzwords from time to time.

Hot Button Issues - See if you can make some sense of every hot topic here.

What Interests You? - Explore the things that you care about.

The Interview - For this assignment, you will interview three people who have different occupations, hobbies, or interests.

In the News - You will watch a ten to fifteen minute news cast.

What's Jargon? - Differentiate between the closely related concepts.

Battlewords - How to tell how to label these types of terms?

What are Buzzwords?

Have you ever been a part of a conversation where you can't understand a word that the person is saying because they are saying meaningless phrases – to you at least? You might usually find these phrases or words in business and sales meetings, political campaigns, etc.


A buzzword is an informal word or phrase composed of technical or important-sounding words of little meaning. Buzzwords are often used to impress or persuade the public rather than being helpful or informative.


People can use buzzwords to avoid the main issue or pass off the substance of the topic. For example, a common buzzword or buzzphrase is to think outside the box.


Buzzwords, often meaningless, become popular at a particular time or situation. You will hear a lot of buzzwords regarding business, sales, in social media, and even in daily Millenial conversations. Using these terms in conversations or speeches makes you seem more knowledgeable and sensible.


Buzzwords are generally used in advertisements, speeches, or instances where you want to seem powerful and influential.


Related Terms


There are many related terms associated with buzzwords, each slightly different in their meaning. By discussing some of them, you can understand the true meaning of buzzwords.


Jargon is a language that is particular to an industry or art form. The words used are associated with the career or profession you choose, and only people related to that area/industry can understand them. The words also have hidden meanings and intentions. For example, 9 to 5, due diligence, etc., are all business jargon.


Cliches are overused phrases that have lost their meaning over time. Buzzwords become cliches after they have been overused. Examples include "slow and steady wins the race" or "can of worms," etc.


Well-Known Examples


Content is King


Bill gates coined this buzzphrase. It is a common and overly-used buzzphrase used in every content marketing strategy. It means that content is essential if you want to rank your product, website, etc. Every business and brand should have a solid content marketing strategy to succeed and grow in digital marketing.


Retargeting


Another marketing and business buzzword is retargeting. Retargeting refers to sending targeted customized ads to consumers that visited your site earlier but didn't purchase anything. By sending ads to repeat visitors, you have a higher chance of securing a sale.


Change the World


Buzzwords don't necessarily have to be business and sales associated. They can be aspiring and attention-grabbing. This buzzphrase can mean numerous things. It's supposed to build up motivation and encourage people to put in the work to make an impact in the world.


Personalization


Personalization is a trendy marketing buzzword used nowadays. This buzzword refers to businesses using customer data and interest to curate targeted ads. These targeted ads have a higher chance of increasing conversions and sales.


Spilling the Tea


A very popular buzzphrase used by millennials is spilling the tea. It is used when someone is sharing gossip or secrets.

As mentioned above, each industry and profession has its own set of buzzwords. Buzzwords make you seem reputable and inspiring if used in the proper context.