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ISSUES |
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PROBLEMS |
An “issue” used to be a matter for consideration or discussion. For instance, a group might discuss the issue of how best to raise funds for its scholarship program. But people could also disagree with each other by saying “I take issue [disagree] with you on that point.”
But then mental health professionals began to talk about “child-rearing issues“ and “relationship issues,“ and such. In this context the meaning of ”issues” began to blur into that of “problems” and cross-pollinate with “take issue,” leading ordinary folks to begin saying things like “I have tendonitis issues.” or “I have issues with telemarketing.” This very popular sort of expression is viewed with contempt or amusement by many traditionalists, who are truly appalled when it’s extended to the inanimate world: “these laptops have issues with some wireless cards.”