Today, some random notes from the Word Front ...

—"Conversation" sensation: People don't discuss or debate a topic anymore; they have a "conversation." They "start the conversation." They "frame the conversation." They "join the conversation." And if they're open to discussion, they're "happy to have that conversation." I'd be happy to have that "conversation" — murdered.

— Wretched "reaching": And, yes, people are also "reaching out" to have that conversation — and to do just about everything else. In the old days, the only people who "reached out" were the Four Tops and lifeguards. Now politicians "reach out" to voters. Retailers "reach out" to customers. Collection agencies "reach out" to delinquents. I haven't seen this much reaching out since I watched three-year-olds attack a bowl of candy.

— "All" together now: Welcome to the Age of "All"! We're no longer "committed" or "fully dedicated" to a cause or project. Nope, we're "all in"! And, of course, that means we need "all hands on deck," e.g., "Colts Deploying All Hands on Deck to Cover Gronk," "All Hands on Deck Ahead of Nebraska's Democratic Caucus." It's a great concept — pallid sailors who haven't lifted their heads above the bilge for months scrambling topside to man their battle stations — but let's give it — and them — a rest.

— No "yes" men here: Me: Have you noticed that many people, especially men, now answer a question affirmatively with a two-word response instead of "yes"? You: I have. See what I mean? A recent puzzle contestant on NPR, when asked whether he was ready to play the game, replied, "I am." I blame this phenomenon on anti-yes man Don Draper of "Mad Men," e.g., "Are you going to lunch?" "I AM," with a strong emphasis on the verb - and the martinis.

— Intent on "intentional": To my mind, the word "intentional" has always been a stinkweed — "intentional foul," "intentional interference." You MEANT to do that! But recently "intentional" has become a touchy-feely flower, meaning "done with a design or plan." "I want to be more intentional in the way I live," writes one website guru, while teachers are told to be "more intentional" in designing their lessons. I guess it's better than the despicable buzz word "planful."

But advising someone to be more "intentional" seems to imply that we've all been running around without a plan — which, when it comes to language, actually seems to be true.

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via e-mail to [email protected] or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

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