🚀 Crack the Code: 8 Must-Know Business Abbreviations Explained!
Tired of nodding along when someone drops an acronym you don’t know? You’re not alone! Here are 8 common workplace abbreviations, their origins, and real-life examples to help you sound like a pro.
1. ASAP (As Soon As Possible)
Origin: Military slang from WWII, now a universal urgency marker.
Example: "The CEO wants the pitch deck ASAP—drop everything else!"
2. FYI (For Your Information)
Origin: 1940s office memos, later hijacked by email culture.
Example: "FYI, the budget was approved. NBD!"(NBD = No Big Deal)
3. EOD (End of Day)
Origin: Banking/finance, where deadlines rule.
Example: "Finalize the contract by EOD or the deal’s off."
4. KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Origin: Management jargon from the 20th century.
Example: "Our Q3 KPIs focus on reducing customer churn."
5. TAT (Turnaround Time)
Origin: Manufacturing/logistics, now used for deadlines everywhere.
Example: "The TAT for edits is 24 hours—don’t miss it!"
6. PTO (Paid Time Off)
Origin: U.S. HR term to distinguish vacation from sick leave.
Example: "I’m using PTO next week—no Slack messages, please!"
7. WFH (Work From Home)
Origin: Tech industry pre-pandemic, now a lifestyle.