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[Communication] They forgot to teach you how to speak in Corporate environment...

... but here are my funny suggestions to better understand how to read the corporate emails in a way that makes sense, and brings clarity to the underlying messaging.

1. “Circling back on this” 🔄

Hidden meaning: “You ignored me. I noticed.”

2. “Per my last email” 📎

Hidden meaning: “I already told you this. Please read.”

3. “Just to clarify” 🔍

Hidden meaning: “You misunderstood something extremely obvious.”

4. “In case it got buried in your inbox” 📬

Hidden meaning: “I know it didn’t. Try again.”

5. “Friendly reminder” 😊

Hidden meaning: “This is your last warning before I escalate.”

6. “Let’s take this offline” 🤝

Hidden meaning: “We should not have this argument in front of witnesses.”

7. “Not sure if you saw my previous message” 👀

Hidden meaning: “You definitely saw it.”

8. “Thanks in advance” 🙏

Hidden meaning: “You have no choice.”

9. “I may be mistaken, but…” 🤔

Hidden meaning: “I’m not mistaken.”

10. “With all due respect” 🫡

Hidden meaning: “Respect is not coming.”

11. “Looping in X for visibility” 👥

Hidden meaning: “Your boss is now watching.”

12. “Let me rephrase” ✏️

Hidden meaning: “You didn’t get it the first time.”

13. “We’ll need to revisit expectations” 📊

Hidden meaning: “You’re not delivering.”

14. “Appreciate your patience” ⏳

Hidden meaning: “I know this took forever.”

15. “Not sure this aligns with our priorities” 🗂️

Hidden meaning: “We’re not doing this.”

😂 Bonus: The Email Euphemism Hall of Fame

“Let me know if you have any questions.” ❗

Translation: “Please don’t have questions.”

“Happy to discuss further.” 💬

Translation: “I hope we don’t have to.”

“As previously stated…” 📚

Translation: “I’m losing my mind.”

“Gentle nudge.” 👉

Translation: “Move.”


Now that you've read these... I am pretty sure you will look at your emails with different eyes.

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