Five phrases you shouldn't use at work

If you use language that dumbs you down, you may be misunderstood by those around you at work, which can significantly hurt your ability to advance. Here are a few phrases and terms that can chip away at your professional image. "The words you choose also convey your emotional intelligence," says Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert. "A well-spoken person never goes out of style."

-Shout-out: "No one really needs to shout if they're congratulating you," Taylor says. "So let's put this phrase to rest."

-Profanity: "Having a trash mouth never got anyone promoted, and can get you into trouble at work. Save it for your ride home (unless you take mass transit)," Taylor says.

-Literally: "This makes you wonder how much productivity time in corporate world could be gained if this useless word could be 'literally' banished," Taylor says.

-Legit: "You'll be seen as far more credible when you're direct and speak professionally," she says.

-Awesome: Taylor says, "This is one of those words that has gotten so overused, that when you say, 'That's awesome,' it's almost like saying, 'Nice ... what else?'"



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