I do have issues with my parents. Sadly, the only thing I have with them is issues.

Question

Please correct the below sentence:I do have issues with my parents. Sadly, the only thing I have with them is issues.

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

"Please correct the sentence below:

I do have issues with my parents. Sadly, the only thing I have with them is issues."

Nothing grammatical is wrong. Some might prefer to use another word instead of issues.

CB

Jackson6612 · Answer

Cool BreezeSome might prefer to use another word instead of issues.

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Avangi · Answer

Cool Breeze Some might prefer to use another word instead of issues.

Hi, CB.
I noticed this expression creeping into my kid's speech somewhere between five and ten years ago. It's application is quite general, but usually refers to something the speaker considers an abnormal "people problem." You have a bug up your *** about something.
I think my mother used to call it "a bone of contention with somebody."
(similar to "I have a bone to pick with you.")

My youngest son said to me, "You have issues."
In other words, "You're something of an a-hole."

I don't mean to make you blush, but I think that's the way it works.
The person who does not have issues is normal in every respect, except that he gets along with everybody.

I have no idea if this is used in BrE.

- A.

Jackson6612 · Answer

Avangi
Cool Breeze Some might prefer to use another word instead of issues.
Hi, CB.I noticed this expression creeping into my kid's speech somewhere between five and ten years ago. It's application is quite general, but usually refers to something the speaker considers an abnormal "people problem." You have a bug up your *** about something.I think my mother used to call it "a bone of contention with somebody."(similar to "I have a bone to pick with you.")My youngest son said to me, "You have issues."In other words, "You're something of an a-hole."I don't mean to make you blush, but I think that's the way it works. The person who does not have issues is normal in every respect, except that he gets along with everybody.I have no idea if this is used in BrE. - A.

Question 1: Does this, in any way, mean that my usage of the word 'issues' incorrect?

Question 2: ''You're something of an a-hole.'' Which definition of '' fits here?

Please help me with the above queries. Thanks.

Avangi · Answer

The way you describe the useage comports with the way I understand the current usage.
Of course the intensity of the disagreement between people depends on the people.
For some people, a small area of contention can generate a lot of stress.

Sorry about #2. That's an obscure structure. I guess it's like the way I use "sort of."
"She was sort of ugly." Then there's the expression we'd think of as British: "She was a bit of alright."
"Of" is used in the sense of "a portion of." "This has been something of a problem." "This has been a bit of a problem." "He was a bit of a jerk."

"We have issues" = "there are things about which we disagree."

"You have issues" = "you are a person who always seems to have a problem about something."

I do have issues with my parents. Sadly, the only thing I have with them is issues.

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