6 software engineering buzzwords you need to stop using

Six overused software engineering buzzwords are examined and critiqued: 'AI-powered', '10x engineer', 'tech debt', 'vibe coding', 'velocity', and 'shift left'. Each term is analyzed for how it lost precision and became counterproductive, with input from senior engineers and engineering leaders. Concrete replacements are suggested for each — for example, replacing 'AI-powered' with specific technique and outcome descriptions, '10x engineer' with 'high-leverage engineer', and 'shift left' with explicit, actionable language like 'test earlier' or 'flag security issues before code review'. The core argument is that vague buzzwords widen the gap between technical and business stakeholders rather than bridging it, and that precise language leads to better decision-making.