#52 - Your IT -> English Dictionary

They're speaking another language over there.

Words don't mean what they do in English. What do I mean?

I had just started a new position and needed access to a shared drive. I put in my IT request and the process began as follows:

Waiting for Approval (Approved)

Fair enough. Need to run it past the boss to make sure I'm not sticking my nose where it doesn't need to be.

Waiting for Approval (Completed)

IT completes the approval of the approval given by my boss. If that doesn't make sense, you're not alone.

Fulfillment

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines "fulfil" as to put into effect, bring to an end, or convert into reality. Consider the fulfillment of seeing your child take their first steps, the prospect of a fulfilling career, an old man content with having lived a long and fulfilling life.

But in IT speak, 'fulfilled' just meant 'marginally progressed'.

Completed

I'm baking a cake. I've mixed flour, eggs, sugar in a bowl. I declare the cake 'completed' without putting it in the oven.

The request has been fulfilled once and completed twice. I still can't access the shared drive.

I stare longingly at my cake batter, wondering what word they'll use next. I certainly don't feel fulfilled or completed.

I just need a dictionary to translate IT into English.

Next week: He's an ideas man