> Fired means they were laid off for some gross reason You're correct in spirit, but no one ever uses the phrase "laid off" to mean "fired". "Laid off" usuall

> Fired means they were laid off for some gross reason You're correct in spirit, but no one ever uses the phrase "laid off" to mean "fired". "Laid off" usually means you were let go because of say, financial problems in the company, no need for your position, etc. "Fired" implies cause.