Retarded - We've given this some short shrift (that is to say summary, scant attention). To tell someone they are retarded is tantamount to insulting them. You've just told them they are not bright, or they are dumb, not capable of learning, are slow, or that they are stupid. No matter what interpretation, this is definitely not a compliment. Unless you're talking about some machinery that's just started running in slow mode or a task that needs to be completed and is going very slowly, chances are using this word will get you out of the running.

Stupid - Usually used in the context, "He's stupid," or "She's stupid," or "That's stupid." The expression really is a real turn-off. Put in normal wording, it's saying that the person is not bright and not capable. In the new generation vernacular, they're saying that whatever just happened was a little silly. That's not what comes across to all generations and that's definitely not what comes across to someone for whom English is not the native language. What could be substituted? "That's a little odd." "Well, that's different." "Tha's so funny." (Please DO NOT use a condescending tone here.) "There could be a little more thought about this." Another way to say this is, "That's really unique," or just, "Hum. Could you tell me a little more about that?"

Shut Up - What it intends to say is, "That's totally outrageous!" "Oh, you've shocked me. Don't say anything else." "That was too funny. Stop it!" What it says to all generations is very insulting. It says, don't speak because your words have little value and the listener doesn't want to hear them.

Crazy - This is also a loaded term. It can be used to convey that something is a little off the beaten track. It could also be saying that someone is a complete lunatic, not functioning in reality, and should be given no credibility. If said about someone, it could be deemed defamatory and the speaker could be held liable for damages. "That's crazy," could be said in reference to some idea or concept that is completely incredible, totally unfeasible. But if you don't have a lot of experience, it's best to leave that judgement to those who do have experience and wait to hear the explanation of how the idea is to work. If you refuse to listen to the explanation, then be prepared to give some good, solid analysis about why your theory would work better, complete with examples and supporting facts.

Bro' - This is a shortened form of "brother" usually reserved for those who feel a closeness to the one with whom they're speaking. It's usually in reference to similarity in race, background, ethnicity, or experience. This is a very familiar term. It's best not to use it with a customer, a potential employer, a recruiter, an instructor, or a coach.

Yeah - Oh what a word! It's a word of affirmation or agreement. It's also slang and colloquial. It's informal English. It's a real turn off to employers. Save it for the game or the dance floor or the rock concert. Lose it for the workplace.

Fool - This one is right up there with "stupid," "retarded." and "bro'." Have we beaten this horse to death yet?

Uh-huh - An expression just a cut above Cro Magnon. It really means "yes" without having to bob your head up and down. Formal English. Use formal English when speaking with employers, customers, professionals, quasi-professionals, receptionists, strangers, ...

Sweetie - Do you want to see someone's toes curl? Do you want to see how fast you can make a woman want to smack you in the face and walk away while you lie in the dust wondering what wall just fell on you? Try calling her (no matter what age) "sweetie." It's belittling. It's insulting. It says she doesn't have a lot on the ball and is childlike. She is not a professional and should be treated as though like a toy.

Other Losers; Explanations Not Necessary

- Honey

- Sweetheart

- Cutie

- Girl

- Hunk

- Baby

What this is actually showing is that your vocabulary needs to be as professional as possible in order for you to be considered ....