This is in response to Russell Jabaut’s letter of Jan. 30, protesting the use of terminology such as “no problem,” which he experiences frequently in verbal exchanges with youth whom he has thanked for service rendered in stores and restaurants.

Confessing to be pushing 60 and being culturally unhip, Jabaut wants to know what became of “you’re welcome,” which the more senior of us are accustomed to hearing.

A reasonable explanation may be that the respondent is telling him in a somewhat inept way that your thanks are not warranted because, as an employee, I have just done what I am paid to do. A bit more profound explanation may be that using “no problem” defends against being perceived as performing work absent of challenge.

While we are on the subject, maybe it’s because I’m pushing 80 or just culturally unhip, but what I find more disturbing is the “Iz dat it?” invariably heard from cashiers after a purchase. Whatever became of “Will there be anything else?”

Loren Feldman, Sabattus