IT'S the phrase executives couldn't get enough of in 2006, but next time you plan to "think outside the box" beware it could mark you out as an office has-been.

Research by recruitment agency Office Angels revealed the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of office jargon.

More than 1600 workers selected the top must-use buzzwords most designed to impress in 2007, and revealed the must-avoid clichs which are now considered old-hat.

Among the essential phrases for 2007 are "thought grenades", otherwise known as explosive good ideas, and "let's sunset that", which means it won't see the light of day.

Jargon to be avoided at all costs this year includes phrases such as "getting down with the kids" and "am I bovvered?", made famous by comedian Catherine Tate.

Just over half of those questioned agree that using the latest language improves your standing at work, although one in five believe jargon of any kind is pretentious.

It seems bosses in particular need to be wary of jargon pitfalls.

Three out of four workers believe the boss using a phrase more commonly used by younger colleagues is more likely to backfire than create a sense of common ground.