Corporate jargon sounds like communication. Researchers built a test to find out if it actually is. Real mission statements went up against randomly generated business nonsense, assembled specifically to mean nothing, and participants had to rate the earnestness of each. Some people could not tell them apart.

Those same people scored lower on reasoning, flexibility, and adaptability. When given business school cases with clear solutions, they consistently missed them. The link is not that jargon makes people stupid. It is that leaning on impressive-sounding language is a way of skipping the thinking. Talking fast and confidently with the right vocabulary earns praise in a lot of rooms. So people build a cargo cult of competence around the surface of it and stop doing the work underneath. Pseudo profundities work the same way. A statement that sounds profound but means nothing still gets nodded at by people who never stop to ask what it actually said.

The test is simple and anyone can run it. Ask them to say it again. Most people will rephrase it. Because the second time, they hear it too.

Topics: corporate jargon, techno babble, pseudo profundity, business decision making, buzzword culture

GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com

Originally aired on 2026-04-08

Corporate jargon sounds like communication. Researchers built a test to find out if it actually is. Real mission statements went up against randomly generated business nonsense, assembled specifically to mean nothing, and participants had to rate the earnestness of each. Some people could not tell them apart.
Those same people scored lower on reasoning, flexibility, and adaptability. When given business school cases with clear solutions, they consistently missed them. The link is not that jargon makes people stupid. It is that leaning on impressive-sounding language is a way of skipping the thinking. Talking fast and confidently with the right vocabulary earns praise in a lot of rooms. So people build a cargo cult of competence around the surface of it and stop doing the work underneath. Pseudo profundities work the same way. A statement that sounds profound but means nothing still gets nodded at by people who never stop to ask what it actually said.
The test is simple and anyone can run it. Ask them to say it again. Most people will rephrase it. Because the second time, they hear it too.
Topics: corporate jargon, techno babble, pseudo profundity, business decision making, buzzword culture
GUEST: Greg Fish | cyberpunksurvivalguide.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-08

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.