On ‘problematic’ and lazy talking

Re “Ban this ‘weasel word,’ ” Opinion, July 21

Meghan Daum describes “problematic” as a weasel word. I have issues with other words and phrases.

So, first, there’s the very common and inappropriate use of the word “so” when a person is answering a question. There’s also barking the word “listen” while answering a question and beginning a response with “sure.”

Also, I’m tired of people who believe that using youthful jargon makes them seem hip, as in “takeaway” instead of “what I learned was.” Even the word “conversation” has become the only word used to describe talking between two or more people.

There’s also the ubiquitous use of the word “folks.” I suppose that folks forgot the word “people.” It came from the mouth of President George W. Bush when he referred to terrorists as “folks” — such a casual, cozy term for “terrorist.”

The act of talking has become lazy. Lynn Leatart Sherman Oaks ::

How ironic that in Thursday’s Opinion section, the word “problematic” (the subject of Daum’s analysis and condemnation for its abuse, with which I heartily agree) should appear inches away in your editorial concerning rising healthcare premiums:

“Slowing the rise in the cost of any other form of care is problematic, however, because of the risks posed to the development and availability of treatments.”

A cynical examination of the context of your use of the word might even demonstrate her point exactly. Now, that’s problematic. Harold Sriro Santa Monica