Midwestern Gothic

Organized Clutter. n. Strategically placed assortment of paper, pens, safety glasses, and half empty coffee cups. Suggests employee is currently working on important project, but possibly ran to bathroom. In truth, said employee left office at 3:00.

Jack: Rob, do you know where Nick is? I have an important task for him.
Rob: Judging by the organized clutter on his desk, Nick is still here and hard at work, but stepped away from his cubicle.

I do this nearly every day.