Spring Report on Business Launch with Missing Column (Building and Construction)

The latest issue of Report on Business is here, and the theme couldn’t be more timely—Construction & Building. This quarter, we feature insights from two key state agencies—NDDOT and NDDOCR—on major projects underway across North Dakota.

The spotlight, however, is on our members. From community centers to commercial builds, this issue showcases projects set to shape skylines and serve as anchors in communities across the state. It’s a powerful look at progress in motion—don’t miss it!

As usual, we announce with the missing column of our VP of Strategic Engagement, Amanda Remynse's column.

MISSING COLUMN: The Hot Lingo OR What Are the Cool Kids Even Saying?

Recently, I’ve had to tap into my resources to understand the vocabulary. This involves firing up the google machine as well as consulting with the hipper team members in our office. See, here’s the thing – I’ve never been cool but I was understanding and fluent in the culture and then one day, I became … old.
 
That sounds dramatic, but here’s what I mean. I have a favorite burner on the stove. I’ve hit my cap on new music—I only want to listen to songs I already like. I appreciate a thick lawn. If I sleep without a knee pillow, my hip aches. Caffeine after 3:00 p.m. is a crime against my nervous system. My joints crack like glow sticks.… and the music at a bar is just soooo loud. Also, my husband has taken to yelling at cars that drive by our house too fast.
 
But the thing that makes me feel the oldest is the changes in language – sigma? Ohio? What do these mean in standard conversation? Say Less. Rah XD. Are these good or bad? I need an interpreter to ensure I’m getting the gist. I graduated from college an English major where I learned about prescriptive vs descriptive linguistics —which feels suddenly relevant again. Prescriptive is the rules and how it “should be” – descriptive takes into account that times change and language adapts with it. Let’s roll emojis (or wingdings for my generation) into that and how we communicate shifts gears entirely. Are 2 red exclamations marks bad?
 
Language also sets apart the experience. Those in a specific industry can spot expertise based off the jargon that is used. It’s not just acronyms but the verbiage to describe things. I grew up in an agrarian household. “Cows” wasn’t a catch-all term—we used heifers, steers, bulls, yearlings, and A.I. meant something entirely different (and innovative), but not artificial intelligence. Recently I snickered at my kids when they pointed out a tractor store. Here’s the thing – they weren’t wrong. The store was selling tractors but my youth branded them as implement dealers.
 
As society evolves – our language will but as we change our expertise does. Our vocabulary will shift but we will constantly be looking for input from those in the know to ensure we are using the verbiage correctly. We want to be taken seriously by our peers or our target audience and ensure we are relevant. Think about the words that you know and the training you are providing – is the vocab essential to be a professional?
 
Also to all the boomers who I used to mock for saying ‘far out’ and ‘groovy’ … I’m sorry.

SPRING ISSUE OF REPORT ON BUSINESS: CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING