Engineering Dictionary
What the Engineer says (What it really means) A number of different approaches are being tried. We're working on a fresh approach to the problem. Close project coordination. Major technological break through. Customer satisfaction upon delivery is assured. Preliminary operational tests were inconclusive. Test results were extremely gratifying. The entire concept will have to be abandoned. It is in process. We'll look into it. Please read and initial. Give us the benefit of your thoughts. Give us your interpretation. See me, or Let's Discuss. All new! Rugged Lightweight Years of development Energy saving Low maintenance
(We are still grasping at straws.)
(We just hired three kids fresh out of college.)
(We know who to blame.)
(It works OK, but looks very hi-tech.)
(We are so far behind schedule the customer is happy to get it delivered.)
(The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.)
(We are so surprised that the stupid thing works.)
(The only person who understood the thing quit.)
(It is so wrapped up in red tape that the situation is about hopeless.)
(Forget it! We have enough problems for now.)
(Let's spread the responsibility for the mistake.)
(We'll listen to what you have to say as long as it doesn't interfere with what we've already done.)
(I can't wait to hear this!)
(Come into my office, I'm lonely.)
(Parts not interchangeable with the previous design.)
(Too heavy to lift!)
(Lighter than rugged.)
(One finally worked.)
(Achieved when the power switch is off.)
(Impossible to fix if broken.)
Originally published May 15, 2003.
