They're using words that mean something, but in the wrong way. They're relying on a passing knowledge of a subject to pull the wool over the eyes of the ignorant.
Madness string 3174
I uncovered a scheming plot of corruption and betrayal, in the middle of literally running with a sack of dirt between two locations. And I'm being trusted with going with someone to ransom back the crown/symbol of local ruler. Which seems a bit much given that I was being paid to carry a bag of dirt twenty minutes ago.