Comment I used to think these phrases are complete BS (Score 1) 275
Then I was in a meeting about a technical issue we were having. After the problems were explained, the senior DBA and I each said a few things in about a minute that sounded like BS phrases to everyone else. Then we said we had the solution. The business guys left - they just wanted a solution to be found and didn't care about details. Then we spent about 30 minutes explaining the solution to the junior developers and DBA. The junior developers and DBA understood the words we used but didn't have 20+ years experience (each) to see the solution from the words - they needed some pictures and step-by-step explanation. The DBA and I not only "saw" the solution, but verified that we had identified the same root cause and solution without directly mentioning either - all from a few "BS phrases" that meant nothing to anyone else. Not that we were trying to hide details from anyone but because they were unnecessary.
After that I started paying more attention to the "BS phrases" that senior managers use in meetings and I asked for details. I've found that in many cases it is strictly about using the right buzzwords/phrases and it really is BS and they can't provide details. But in LOTS of cases these people understand 30 minutes of details from a few short phrases that mean nothing to "outsiders".