I have a problem with the expression “No problem.” It’s grossly overused, and often improperly.

For example, on numerous occasions I’ve ordered something in a restaurant and had the waiter respond with, “No problem.” Well, why in the world would anyone think that it would be a problem: the dish is on the menu, and I’m not requesting any type of special preparation – of course it’s “No problem.” I’ve received the same ridiculous rejoinder when asking for water, even the check – which often led me to having to “bite my tongue,” as they say, to restrain myself from coming back with some snide remark.  

I have a similar bristling reaction to “It is what it is.” Do those who frequently employ this phrase really think that they sound profound...that the rest of us are unaware of the fact that things are what they are? Do they perhaps imagine that we think that things aren’t what they are?

Then there’s that dismissive catch-all many resort to when they don’t know what to say, or do know what to say but choose not to, or want to indicate that what we said doesn’t matter very much: “Whatever!” Or, even more offensive, “What-everrr!”

And, of course, there are those expressions that are most associated with teenagers and sound particularly ludicrous when used by adults: “Hel-lo!” “Duhhh!” “My bad!” And the most grating one of all: “Shut-uppp!” If adults are using these words to lower their age perception, they should realize that what they’re really lowering is their IQ perception.

I suspect some of you will agree with me and others won’t. There’ll be those who feel I’m being too intolerant, too picky. What do I have to say about that?

No problem.