[Boo Radley]

Well, now I have finally learned where the stupid expression "no problem" came from: Not quite bright and somewhat lazy ESL teachers.

If someone anwers a "thank you" with "no problem", there is an implicit message that there could have been a problem, hardly an appropriate response to "thank you". Are you assuring the person that you weren't put out by helping, etc.

I was in the hardware store, and after the transaction, I thanked the clerk, who responded with a "no problem". I thought to myself, "I sure am glad that the clerk had "no problem" in ringing up my sale and taking my money.

Had I been in the clerk's shoes I would have said "Thank you" and put the emphasis on the you.

I understand that English is a living language, and like all living languages, it goes through changes on all levels, but this is really a bad direction, like the acceptance of many to the "F" word that seems to permeate present-day conversation.