Civil Service World's regular guide to the very best in Whitehallese
Touch base
What innovative and dynamic go-getters do when they speak to someone
Sound
All civil servants should aim to be seen as “sound” – i.e. loyal, trustworthy, and willing to jump in front of a bus for senior officials
Roundtable
Rest assured, this is no ordinary meeting. Just look at the shape of the table!
Are you up to speed?
A trick question: say “yes” and you’ll be bombarded with devilishly detailed questions. Say “no” and you’ll be given pitying glances
Disappointed
Used by members of the senior civil service to express the view that a particular junior official is quite possibly the most incompetent person they have ever come across
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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)