By Civil Service World

16 Jun 2017

Civil Service World's regular guide to the very best in Whitehallese



Forgot to do a minister’s case or “treat official”? Quick! Draft a letter explaining how complex the issue is and that you’re consulting colleagues. Gives you another month not to do it in.


Happy To Discuss
There’s a whole lot more here than meets the eye and that I haven’t told you. Should ring alarm bells.


Fairer
Lesser. As in a “fairer” pension scheme.


We are where we are
You’ve completely messed this up and I’m furious with you. But we have to keep working together so let’s draw a veil over it and move on. But I won’t forget it. And I’ll get my revenge.


Purdah
A state of grace in the run up to an election. Any amount of laziness, delay or cock-up can be excused by saying “it’s all rather tricky during purdah”.

 

To submit your own examples of Whitehallese, email editorial@civilserviceworld.com. Visit civilservant.org.uk for more of the best civil service jargon

 


More in the series:
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. I)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 2)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 3)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 4)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 5)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 6)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 7)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 8)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 9)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 10)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 11)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 12)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 13)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 14)​
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 15)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 16)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 17)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 18)

Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 19)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 20)​
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 21)​
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Sir Martin Donnelly special edition)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (snap election special edition)
Terminological inexactitudes: handy translations of Whitehall jargon (Vol. 22)​

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