14 Office Acronyms We Swear Are Used To Deliberately Confuse Newbies And Fresh Grads
Tbh, idek.
By Hew Lee Yee — 16 Jul 2015, 12:07 PM
Ever scratched your head trying to decipher all those acronyms and mumbo jumbo in the email? Annoying enough, once you got 'em figure out, new ones pop up. Here are some that we at SAYS come across (and use) on the reg:
1. If we didn't know any better, we would've thought KIV was just a typo for chicken kiev
The phrase "keep in view" still seems pretty vague but it actually just means to keep it for later or future use, or "put on hold". But yknow, POH doesn't exactly look and sound the most exciting, does it? How lah you want your boss to sound important while saying P-O-H.
Example of use:
- Hey boss, are you busy? Remember my request for a leave?
- I'm busy now with other things, can I KIV your request and get back to you?
2. This acronym IO is pronounced as eye-oh. And no, it's not the binary code.
A term typically used by ad agencies and media owners, IO is the final step in the ad proposal process. Upon receiving an approved IO, it means that an advertiser has committed to run a campaign on the publisher's platform. An insertion order will typically have details like start date, pricing structure, total cost, signatures from both parties, etc.
Example of use:
- The client wants the campaign live now now now now!
- But they haven't even sent over the signed IO.
3. There's no need to pinch your nose for this BO
The less popular friend of IO. It basically means the same thing but just sounds much worse.
Example of use:
- Do you have the BO?
- The... huh, what?
4. Try to make AGM sound kewl. Try it. You just can't!
It's that meeting where EVERYONE comes together once a year, including the upper management aka the big dawgs aka the top of the food chain aka time for you to kiss some derriere.
Example of use:
- Just got an e-mail announcing that the AGM meeting is next week.
- Yes, I'm going to wear my give-me-a-raise outfit and subtly humblebrag about my hard work and contributions to the company!
5. This EDM doesn't get everyone as excited
Hold up on your rave outfits. Unfortunately, in the working world, EDM carries a less-interesting definition. It's just an e-newsletter.
Example of use:
- Yeah, my job - and life - is basically just EDM.
- Whoa you party animal! That must be really fun.
- Not really. I just schedule and send out a lot of e-newsletters.
6. Nothing sounds more srs bzns than ETA. What are we, in the military?
The date and time at which a plane, ship, or person is expected to arrive at a certain location. Also, a term Malaysians love to use because it sounds officious and military, as well as to distract others from the fact that they're running late.
Example of use:
- The traffic is really bad here. My ETA is 20 minutes from now.
- You said that the same thing half an hour ago...
7. Any guesses as to what EOD, EOB and COB have in common?
All of them mean one thing. End of the business day, traditionally around 5pm but it's also used loosely occasionally aka before the clock strikes midnight. Is there really a need for 3 different variations for the same thing? Apparently so.
Example of use:
- We have a meeting on Thursday. Make sure you send me the proposal by Wednesday EOD.
- I thought it was supposed to be Wednesday COB?
- Same thing lah, as long as it's by Wednesday EOB.
- Ha? What? Arghhh!!
8. The thing that makes people do things, CTA
It is an advertising/marketing term, to define a request for consumers to 'do something' or encourage them to take the next step to purchase a product or service. It usually comes in the form of something like "Click here to register" or "Buy this awesome thing now at this outlet".
Example of use:
- The advertorial is done now. Is it good to go?
- There's no CTA, how are you going to lead the readers to buy the product?
9. Just an alphabet away from VIP, how different can WIP be?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Also, a favourite 'excuse' used by many Malaysians.
Example of use:
- How's the project coming along?
- Still WIP lah, chill chill.
- You said that since last year!!!
10. CPC sounds like a disease more than anything
CPC refers the price you pay to an advertising network each time a visitor clicks on your ad. This can vary based on the product and also the market.
Example of use:
- Should I bid on a CPM or CPC basis? Which will generate the highest CTR within our budget?
- I... don't... know...
11. KPI. This could be your saviour or your destroyer.
A term that business peeps use to measure the rate of success of an organisation in reaching its performance and operational goals. The indicators differ for each company, which can be both financial and non-financial like net revenue, customer loyalty, etc.
Example of use:
- Why are you so hardworking nowadays?
- Need to hit KPI lah. I want my bonus.
12. Oh, PIC you misleading lil tease
Pretty sure this doesn't need any more explanation...
Example of use:
- Can you get me the PIC for this project?
- Here, I took a photo the other day.
- I meant the person in charge, you nincompoop!
13. You will sound completely uncool if you say WOM out loud
A marketing term, also used as word-of-mouth marketing/advertising, is not as 'organic' as it may seem. Unlike naturally occurring WOM from one consumer to another consumer, it is also a marketing strategy to actively influence and encourage consumers to create a buzz or make something 'viral'. This can be in the form of 'seeding' messages in a network, giving incentives like rewards to consumers to spread a good word, and even in some cases unleashing WOM 'agents'. Yep, that's right. TRUST NO ONE!
Example of use:
- Yo, I heard about this awesome product from a few of my friends. Let's try it out.
- Company X's WOM marketing must really be working then.
- This is why I have trust issues...
14. Unfortunately, you won't be belting out "Use Somebody" with this KOL
This ubiquitous term has been butchered to death by industry professionals since there are no set rules of what makes a person a KOL. It depends on who the audience 'look up to' but they are generally people who possess the opinions, networks, and expertise which grant them respect in their field. This also means that if you're somewhat famous in Malaysia, congrats! You've crossed into KOL territory.
Example of use:
- Please engage some KOLs for this campaign like Person A and Person B.
- But they're not even professionals...
- Yeah, but have you seen the number of followers they have on Instagram?
Now go show off your skill and blend in the with all the working peeps in a lunch meeting with your expensive suit