Forbes.comhas a nice article about the worst words to say at work.
These nine words and phrases will make you sound noncommittal, undependable and untrustworthy.

It's about some words and phrases that are used by some people to avoid giving answers, escape commitment and to buy time.

  • "Try"
    It's a weasel word. Often those who usa it, probably have no real intention of doing what you ask.
  • "Whatever"
    This word is a trusted favorite of people who want to dismiss you, diminish what you say or get rid of you quickly. When you say whateverafter another person has said his or her piece, you have essentially put up a wall between the two of you and halted any progress in communicating. It's a word to avoid.
  • "Maybe" and "I don't know"
    People will sometimes avoid making a decision and hide behind words and phrases like this. There's a difference between legitimately not knowing something and using words like these as excuses.
  • "I'll get back to you"
    When people need to buy time or avoid revealing a project's status, they will say, "I'll get back to you,"and they usually never do.
  • "If"
    Projects depend on everyone doing his or her part. People who use ifare usually playing the blame game and betting against themselves. They like to set conditions, rather than assuming a successful outcome. People who rely on conditional responses are fortifying themselves against potential failure.
  • "Yes, but ..."
    This is another excuse.
  • "I guess ..."
    This is usually said in a weak, soft-spoken, shoulder-shrugging manner. It's another attempt to shirk responsibility - a phrase is only muttered when people half agree with you.
  • "We'll see ..."
    It's just about buying time, avoiding a fight or confrontation or really saying no.