A friend recently told me that a mutual acquaintance has "issues". Then I heard a traffic reporter say there are "issues" on a clogged freeway. Will 2+2 in third grade arithmetic soon become an "issue" rather than a "problem"?
2006-09-19 10:28:15 · 7 answers · asked by daylightpirate 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Issue is an euphemism
2006-09-19 12:58:37 · answer #1 · answered by zap 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha, that's a cute observation. I see the word "issue" used in place for "problem" particularly in business contexts, where no one ever wants to use any words that have the slightest bad connotation.
However, there are (at least) two different meanings of "problem". One means there's something wrong that has to be fixed, and this is what's frequently referred to as an "issue" now. The other, like the 2+2, is simply a puzzle or question, with no negative connotation. I don't think that kind of "problem" will ever be replaced with "issue".
2006-09-19 13:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by kslnet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol!! Good point. Yes, we are getting overly PC lately. I even use the term myself. When I use the word "issues" it is to describe a specific problem I believe someone is having with themselves. So to answer your question, Yes. It is the new word for problems. I think it's cuter and a bit nicer to say someone has an issue rather they "Wow. They've got major problems." See what I mean? It's implying the same thing, but with a little more cushion and manners. Peace.
2006-09-19 10:38:54 · answer #3 · answered by .......... 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think a person has issues and an object has problems. ideas and things like that can be an issue or a problem. i don't know that's just how i use the words....... i have issues.... there is a problem with the coffee table.....i think the freeway thing should be problems
2006-09-19 10:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
whats the difference? Just words for the same thing..
2006-09-19 10:30:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its just modern vernacular. It changes. Go with it, or be left behind.
There's nothing wrong with popular slang if it doesn't hinder communication.
2006-09-19 10:31:18 · answer #6 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many people think saying "issue" makes them look smarter. (it doesn't)
2006-09-19 10:30:45 · answer #7 · answered by nerveserver 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋