Engineering Dictionary

What the Engineer says
What it really means:

A number of different approaches are being tried.
We are still grasping at straws.

We're working on a fresh approach to the problem.
We just hired three kids fresh out of college.

Close project coordination
We know who to blame.

Major technological breathrough
It works OK, but looks very hi-tech.

Customer satisfaction upon delivery is assured.
We are so far behind schedule the customer is happy to get it delivered.

Preliminary operational tests were inconclusive
The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

Test results were extremely gratifying
We are so surprised that the stupid thing works.

The entire concept will have to be abandoned.
The only person who understood the thing quit.

It is in process.
It is so wrapped up in red tape that the situation is about hopeless.

We'll look into it.
Forget it! We have enough problems for now.

Please read and initial.
Let's spread the responsibility for the mistake.

Give us the benefit of your thoughts.
We'll listen to what you have to say as long as it doesn't interfere with what we've already done.

Give us your interpretation.
I can't wait to hear this!

See me, or Let's Discuss
Come into my office, I'm lonely.

All new!
Parts not interchangeable with the previous design.

Rugged
Too heavy to lift!

Lightweight
Lighter than rugged.

Years of development
One finally worked.

Energy saving
Achieved when the power switch is off.

Low maintenance
Impossible to fix if broken.