Honest definitions from work and life

  • Noted

    verb

    A passive-aggressive way to dismiss someone's annoying comment while staying professional and internally screaming not to start a fight.

    Coworker: "As per my last email, please get those changes done by end of day."
    Employee: "Noted."

    CaptainWTF on August 18, 2024

  • Backlog

    noun

    A product manager's exclusive black hole where initiatives and tasks go to die. The longer an item stays there, the less likely it is to ever see the light again.

    Sales (on a call): "Hey, a lot of users are asking for a payments feature. When can we expect it?"
    Product Manager: "It's—"
    Product Manager's Spouse (in unison with the kids): "In the backlog!"

    karthik on August 2, 2024

  • Pay-to-win

    adjective

    An absurdly unfair yet accepted business model in video games that is a byproduct of capitalism where a deep wallet and credit card are the only skills you need to win.

    Ted: "Dude! "I've been grinding for years! You just bought it last night! How do you always come out on top?"
    Barney: "Oh, easy! I just bought the best weapon for 100 bucks!"
    Ted: "That's cheating!"
    Barney: "Ted, Ted, Ted! Life isn't fair. You pay, you win. Swipe, spend, succeed!"

    CaptainWTF on August 2, 2024

  • Developer

    noun

    A tech professional whose entire career is just a long-running process with no exit strategy, stuck in a while(true) loop of support tickets and legacy code.

    SuperSaiyan on November 14, 2025

  • Hot Mic

    noun

    A microphone that is still ON while you’re very much OFF. Often the last sound heard before an anchor's career change.

    Mac: “Will, the mic was hot. Which means so is our legal department. I suggest flowers and a very expensive fruit basket.”

    scomberry on July 21, 2025