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[fioner]

I've noticed a disturbing increase in the usage of the word "folks." "Folks" standing in for the word "people" and making the speaker sound like an idiot. Such as something like "We know a lot of folks are suffering right now

Comments

[usesforducttape]

in defense of "folks," i find that it's a gender neutral way of informally referring to a group of people. Some people find the use of "guys" as in "hry guys! how's it going?" offensive. In an attempt to be more sensitive of gender-y issues, I've gotten into the habit of saying "folks" instead. I'm pretty sure I don't use it in any other context so hopefully you won't think I'm an idiot too :)

[fioner]

That's a good point I hadn't considered, plus it's not exactly fair that I'm making a partial judgement of people based on the use of one word. It's just that I've noticed people saying it a lot more since Bush started using it, so it's innately linked with him in my mind, which never goes in the plus column.

In any case, you're a delightful and intelligent person, and I don't think you're styoopid. This goes without saying, but I like to say things that go without saying.

[anonymous]

OMG, THIS IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST PET-PEEVES, TOO! I noticed the prevalence of "folks" in the development field, and it annoyed the teats off me -- but I guess its usage is going up everywhere!

Seester peeve-meld!

Also: your store-manager example is totally right on. RIGHTEOUS!

Lanty