28 Phrases Entrepreneurs Secretly Hate (But Still Hear Constantly)

There’s a special kind of twitch that happens when someone says, “Let’s hop on a quick discovery call.”

Or worse, “Boss Babe.”

Most of us have heard these phrases so many times, they’ve lost all meaning, or worse, started to feel like red flags.

I asked real business owners what words make them cringe… and wow, they did not hold back.

Of course, not everyone hates these, so if you love them, use them. You’ll attract people who resonate with your voice.

This list isn’t gospel. It’s just a peek inside what makes some of us quietly hit “unsubscribe.”

Here’s what they said and what we can all stop pretending we have to say.

Grouped by category:

Spiritual/Feel-Good Buzzwords:

• Be authentic

• Soulful

• Manifest

• Ease and flow

• Empowered

• Women’s empowerment

• Shine

• Queen

• Purpose

Business Buzzwords That Need a Break:

• Hustle

• Boss Babe

• Mompreneur

• Bad Ass

• Expert

• Pivot

• Circle back

• Pain point

• Discovery call

• Container

• Master class

AI & Sales-y Sins:

• No fluff

• Crickets

• Fake flattery

• I came across your profile…

• We reviewed your website and…

• Just ask me how if you’re ready

• Let’s elevate your brand

• Anything ending in “-preneur”

Cutesy Language That Feels Off:

• Sis

• Girlies

• Teamwork makes the dream work

Overused Marketing Hooks & Promises

• $10K months

• What if I told you…

• Doctors hate me.

• Can you jump on a call?

Conclusion:

Language trends come and go.

What matters most is sounding like you, not a personal development brochure.

Use the words that feel right in your mouth. That attract the kind of people you actually want to work with. That don’t make you cringe when you re-read your own post.

Because if your marketing doesn’t feel honest to you, it probably won’t land with your people either.