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Technical Terms in Plain English

1. A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES ARE BEING TRIED

We are still clueless.

2. EXTENSIVE REPORT IS BEING PREPARED ON A FRESH APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM

We just hired three kids fresh out of college.

3. CLOSE PROJECT COORDINATION

We know who to blame.

4. MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

It works only so so, but looks very hi-tech.

5. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS DELIVERED ASSURED

We are so far behind schedule the customer is happy just to get it delivered.

6. PRELIMINARY OPERATIONAL TESTS WERE INCONCLUSIVE

The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

7. TEST RESULTS WERE EXTREMELY GRATIFYING

We are so surprised that the stupid thing works.

8. THE ENTIRE CONCEPT WILL HAVE TO BE ABANDONED

The only person who understood the thing quit.

9. IT IS IN THE PROCESS

It is so wrapped up in red tape that the situation is about hopeless.

10. WE WILL LOOK INTO IT

Forget it! We have enough problems for now.

11. PLEASE NOTE AND INITIAL

Let’s spread the responsibility for the mistake.

12. GIVE US THE BENEFIT OF YOUR THINKING

We’ll listen to what you have to say as long as it doesn’t interfere with what we’ve already done.

13. GIVE US YOUR INTERPRETATION

I can’t wait to hear this nonsense!

14. SEE ME OR LET’S DISCUSS

Come into my office, I’m lonely.

15. ALL NEW

Parts not interchangeable with the previous design.

16. RUGGED

Too darn heavy to lift!

17. LIGHTWEIGHT

Lighter than RUGGED.

18. YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT

One finally worked.

19. ENERGY SAVING

Achieved when the power switch is off.

20. LOW MAINTENANCE

Impossible to fix if broken.