Issues vs problems

[jingy]

Why is it that where there used to be problems there are now issues? You never hear the word "problem" anymore. When I called the customer support line of the manufacturer of my printer they asked me "Are you having *issues* with your printer?" And I said no, the d__n thing doesn't work - that's not at issue at all."

Is the word "issue" more PC? Does it sound nicer to say you have an issue rather than a problem? Does it mean something different to say one has weight issues rather than a weight problem? When your car doesn't start, do you have an issue with it? When would you use the word "issue" and not the word "problem"?

Thanks.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Seems like you have an issue with that.

Sorry. Someone, but you had to know that someone was going to say that.

Sometimes I might have an issue with someone or something, but it isn't a problem. I probably can't put it in words correctly what I'm talking about. But sometimes issues aren't a big deal, they are just issues. But sometimes when you have a problem with someone, you should call it what it is and not sugar coat it with semantics. "No witch, I don't have "issues", I have a problem with you!". :)