BSing to be impressing

Verb. A strategy frequently encountered in academia wherein an individual attempts to impress or gain favor with superiors, peers, committees and institutions through the use of 1) technical jargon and bureaucratese 2) bootlicking people and/or institutions 3) lying about one's credentials, experience, knowledge and interests 4) cheating to get ahead and 5) attempting to make competition, newbies and non-academic folk feel stupid, useless or inadequate. In essence, being dishonest and attempting to be seem more learned and invested than one actually is in order to climb the ladder.

Unfortunately, many of the people that BSing to be impressing is directed at are fellow BSers, which allows the strategy to gain acceptance and perpetuate.

Ken got accepted into medical school not because he cares about people or has a genuine curiosity for human health, but because he has mastered the skill of BSing to be impressing, and thus was able to trick the admissions committee into thinking that he will make a good doctor. Really, he just wants money, recognition, and accolades. Once he begins practicing as an MD, he will absolutely let poor, minority, and/or female patients die.

by Bailey Bird Man November 17, 2022