proof of concept

Definition

A small-scale test to demonstrate feasibility before committing full resources, or as commonly practiced, a demo that barely works but generates enough executive enthusiasm to fund a doomed full-scale project.

Example Usage

We built a proof of concept showing the blockchain integration works with sample data.

Origin

Engineering and product development terminology from the mid-20th century

Fun Fact

The gap between successful proof of concept and production-ready system has destroyed more budgets and careers than any other phase of development.

Source: Engineering and product development terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

Circle Back

The corporate equivalent of saying "I'm absolutely never going to address this again but I want you to feel heard right now." A phrase that has killed more action items than any layoff in history.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

obligatory

The corporate way of saying 'you have no choice in this matter' while maintaining a veneer of politeness. It's what makes something binding whether you like it or not, from legal contracts to those team-building exercises nobody asked for. When your boss says attendance is 'obligatory,' they mean 'be there or update your resume.'

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

Shutdown Alley

The unofficial warehouse sanctuary where workers congregate for their sacred daily shutdown ritual at exactly the same time every day. It's the blue-collar equivalent of the office water cooler, except everyone knows the exact coordinates and arrival time. Management pretends not to notice this daily pilgrimage.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

objectives

Corporate-speak for goals that are supposedly measurable, achievable, and aligned with company vision, but in reality are vague aspirations written to satisfy management frameworks. They're the answer to "what are you working on?" that sounds impressive in meetings but means absolutely nothing. Bonus points if they include the word "strategic" or "synergistic."

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

takeaway

The key point, conclusion, or lesson learned from a meeting, presentation, or analysis. What attendees should remember after enduring your two-hour PowerPoint marathon.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

customer

The person or entity whose money you desperately want, requiring you to pretend their feedback is valuable and their complaints are reasonable. In corporate speak, they're always right, even when they're spectacularly wrong. Modern businesses have rebranded them as "users," "clients," or "guests" to make the transaction feel less transactional.

💼 Corporate / Business

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