The kind of talk that’s now accepted at work has changed dramatically since I started work.  Nonetheless, it’s important to make sure you don’t get too caught up in the laid-back environment of the modern workplace. The wrong words can make you come across as unprofessional, hindering your chances of job advancement.  Here are five words you should avoid at the workplace, based off an article I found online:

Just: This downplays whatever you’re doing, and sells yourself short.  Never try to minimize your contributions.  Develop more confidence in what you’re talking about; don’t say you “just” perform trades or other tasks, but rather elaborate on what it is you do.

Sorry: Over-apologizing makes you come across as anxious and fearful, a major turn-off.  You may sometimes be held accountable and need to apologize, but don’t say sorry every time you make a small mistake.  When you do need to say sorry, instead say “I apologize”, which makes it sound like you’re expressing genuine regret.

Umm: Verbal stumbling diminishes your credibility.  Most of us don’t even know we’re doing it, so it’s an easy mistake to make.  It’s bound to happen once in a while, but you’ll come across as unprepared if it gets repetitive.

Profanity: F-bombs are meant for when you stub your toe, not for when you have a meeting.  You might experience some intense emotions in the workplace, but avoid profanity.  Remain calm, and you can articulate the information you hope to convey without any dirty words.

Literally: One of the most overused and improperly-used filler words, this has become an overused hyperbole used to emphasize something surprising.  Only use “literally” if you’re clarifying that something actually happened exactly like you’re describing it.