What's the problem with 'problem'?

[youngoldbloke]

I'm really having problems with the overuse of the word 'issue'. Listen carefully to any news broadcast or discussion and you will hear over and over again the word 'issue' used in place of 'problem'. So we have 'issues around' rather than 'problems about'. This morning a weather forecaster warned of 'surface water flooding issues'. What's wrong with 'surface water flooding problems', or even just 'surface water flooding'?
- rant over

 

[Fnaar]

What's wrong with 'surface water flooding problems', or even just 'surface water flooding'?

The water gets bl00dy everywhere!

I can see your point, but I probably don't fully understand the issue

 

[AndyRM]

2/10 for the rant, but I get where you're coming from.

My pet-hate is "narrative". Everything's got one these days, be it football games, bike races, films, your day at work... Drives me mad!

 

[TVC]

What about the bloke on the street corner waving a magazine and shouting "Big Problem"

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

The problem with 'problem' is it's on a three day week and, on instructions from it's union boss, is working to rule. 'Issue' on the other hand has a much more flexible work ethic and is able to work 5 days a week.

 

[rugby bloke]

What about the sudden rise to prominence of "Curate". In arty farty hipster land everyone seems to be curating something.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Big Issue - no problem with the correct useage - 'a point or matter of discussion, debate, or dispute, or a matter of public concern' - as in the big issue of homelessness.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Everything has become "Iconic" too.

I've been curating these iconic issues ..........

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

What about the sudden rise to prominence of "Curate". In arty farty hipster land everyone seems to be curating something.

The last time I heard someone say that I didn't quite manage to stop myself from saying "oh f*ck off..."

 

[youngoldbloke]

How about 'engaging' - everyone's engaging with everyone and everything else nowadays, I have issues around that usage too.

 

[Yellow Fang]

An issue is not necessarily a problem. It might be an opportunity.

 

[rich p]

My issue are a constant issue, as are their issue ..
...And so it goes on

 

[Deleted member 23692]

'In terms of' seems to be everywhere too.

Some folk don't seem to be able to manage a sentence without using the pointless phrase

 

[Dayvo]

Problem?

Nah, no worries.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I'm having issues with the overuse of the word problem ....