A Very Brief Summary of IT Acronyms and Slang
by A small dictionary of sorts, that summarizes some popular acronyms and slang that are used throughout information technology departments worldwide.
Example of usage: “If Bob weren’t so offendivish, people would actually have some respect for him.”
Zastar -
Popular usage: A rodent’s posterior, preferably that of a rat’s. An expression of disapproval and indifference.
Less than popular usage: Word used to identify a yet to be discovered celestial object.
Example of usage: “I could give a zastar! Get back to work and quit your shenaniganin!”
TRTP – The Reigning Tower of Power
Popular usage: A jovial nickname for someone who is vertically challenged, but continuously exhibits much gravitas or authoritative force.
Less than popular usage: A wrestler that just never made it.
Example of usage: Response to an IT professional that has recently rebelled against authority, “Do you really want TRTP to de-obligate you of your lunch?”
Spufi -
Popular usage: Word used to describe an IT problem that has no real or readily identifiable cause.
Less than popular usage: Periodically mistaken for a form of sherbet, ice cream, frozen custard, or any other cold and delicious treat.
Example of usage: One IT professional observes another struggling and says, “Right about now, I bet you’re wishing you could pass the spufi.”
Zayzal -
Popular usage: To define an individual that produces little to no identifiable work product. Many senior managers fall prey to this definition.
Less than popular usage: As some sort of generic laxative.
Example of usage: Two IT professionals are having some sort of imaginary lunch conversation when one says, “Have you ever noticed that Bob is a real zayzal?”
Ubermenches und Uberwenches -
Popular usage: To describe the population of proto-users at-large, usually in a negative or less than flattering fashion.
Less than popular usage: As part of a beginner’s course in some Germanic language.
Example of usage: An IT professional is walking through cubeland when she comes to a stark realization and says, “WTF! I’m completely surrounded by ubermenches und uberwenches.”
WHFO – When Hell Freezes Over
Popular usage: Most commonly used as a highly appropriate, project completion date for a project that has absolutely no chance for success.
Less than popular usage: Mistaken at times for the World Health Organization.
Example of usage: Next to “Estimated Completion Date” for the “Bringing About World Peace Through Technology Project” Bob writes down WHFO.
Kleptocracy -
Popular usage: To categorize a business environment where rampant thievery is prevalent and those responsible for preventing such actions and running said business environment are thieves themselves.
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