Question.

Why must people say “Question” before asking a question? Why not just ask the question?

This is an irksome linguistic trend that has now reached advertising geared to women, who seem to say “Question” before asking a question more often than men do, as seen in a new Vagisil ad which is mercifully not available online, but sure enough, it begins with a screen shot of the word, and a woman’s voice saying “Question.” Grr.

I always want to say “Answer!” when I hear the flatly declarative “Question.” Someone told me that it’s a way of acknowledging the interruption. I’ll take, “Hey, got a sec?” or even “Hey” or just “Chexy” instead, but just asking directly is less of an interruption.

It’s verbal spamming. Why must I wait while someone organizes their thoughts? Question: How about organizing your thoughts, then asking the question?

Thank you, and good morning William Safire, wherever you are.