words.md

Content and Language Guide: Words

Specific words

• as-is (not “as is”)
• back-end (not “backend” or “back end”)
• coworker (not “co-worker”)
• double-click (not “double click”)
• dropdown (not “drop-down”)
• e.g. (for for example; not “eg.” or “ex”)
• email (not “e-mail;” never capitalize unless it begins a sentence)
• emoji (singular and plural; never capitalize unless it begins a sentence)
• eCommerce (not “e-commerce” or other variation; always capitalize C)
• filename(s) (not “file name”)
• first-hand as an adjective (never “first hand”)
• firsthand as a noun (never “first hand”)
• front-end (not “frontend” or “front end”)
• fullscreen (not “full-screen” or “full screen”)
• geolocation (not “geo-location”)
• high-fidelity (not “high fidelity;” also applies to “low-,” “medium-,” etc.)
• high-level (not “high level”)
• homepage(s) (not “home page”)
• homescreen(s) (not “home screen”)
• i.e. (usually “e.g.” is more appropriate; reserve for in other words; not “ie.”)
• inline (not “in-line” or “in line”)
• internet (never capitalize unless it begins a sentence)
• JavaScript (not “javascript;” always capitalize J and S)
• kickoff(s) (not “kick-off” or “kick off”)
• login as a noun (not “log-up)
• log up as a verb (not “log-up”)
• mockup(s) (prefer over “mock;” not “mock-up” or “mock up”)
• OK (not “o.k.” or “okay;” always capitalize both letters)
• online (not “on line;” never capitalize unless it begins a sentence)
• pop-up as an adjective (not “popup”)
• pop up as a verb (not “popup”)
• predefined (not “pre-defined”)
• retweet (not “re-tweet”)
• roadmap(s) (not “road map”)
• Sass (not “SASS” or “sass;” always capitalize first S)
• screenshot(s) (not “screen shot,” “screen grab,” or other variation)
• standalone (not “stand alone”)
• signup as a noun (not “sign-up)
• sign up as a verb (not “sign-up”)
• styleguide(s) (not “style guide”)
• stylesheet(s) (not “style sheet”)
• thank you (not “thank-you”)
• third-party(ies) (not “third party”)
• tonne (not “ton”)
• upfront (not “up-front”)
• username (not “user name”)
• versus (not “vs” or “v.s.”)
• web view(s) (not “webview”)
• website (not “web site”)
• WiFi (not “wi-fi;” always capitalize W and F)

Specific words and phrases to avoid

• Avoid being corporate: funnel, incentivize, leverage, disruption, synergy, or other fluffy, buzzwordy terms
• Avoid being cutesy: internets, interwebs, or any other variation of the word “internet”
• Avoid being aggressive: crushing it, killing it, or other agressive words describing effort
• Avoid being ableist: nuts, bananas, crazy, insane, or similar words to describe people
• Avoid being gender-specific: guys, buds, gals — perfer the gender-neutral term “they” and “their”
• Avoid being age-specific: young, old, elderly, or any other terms describing a person's age
• Avoid being aptitude-specific: ninja, rockstar, wizard, unicorn (unless referring to a literal ninja, rockstar, wizard, or unicorn)

(Note: of course, sometimes it will be appropriate to make exceptions to these. Use discretion.)

Writing conventions

• Canadian spelling. (e.g. “colour,” “behaviour,” etc.)
• Punctuation marks should appear inside closing quotes. (e.g. “What a world!”)
• Surround em dashes (—) with a thin space; not a full space or no space at all. (e.g. “Hey — eek!”)
• No ampersands unless part of a title; use “and” instead. (e.g. “strength and honour”)
• Sentences finishing with abbreviated words do not need second period. (e.g. “stuff, thing, etc.”)
• Multiplication symbol (“×”) instead of a standard “x.” (e.g. “12px × 40px”)
• Double-quote instead of single-quote for referring to another element. (e.g. “this.”)
• Filenames as their extensions. (e.g. “.jpg,” “.pdf,” “.sketch,” etc.)
• Prefer the active tense instead of their gerund, where appropriate. (e.g. "Develop" not "Developing", "Developed" not "Was developing".)
• Use the oxford comma. (e.g. “Lions, tigers, and bears” not “Lions, tigers and bears.”)