Word of the week: Pain-point

Don't get sore at the word of the week

May 5, 2020 at 6:56PM
Pain-point case in point? Trying to use a cloth bag at self checkout stations.
Pain-point case in point? Trying to use a cloth bag at self checkout stations. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Definition: A persistent or recurring problem (as with a product or service) that frequently inconveniences or annoys customers. (Merriam-Webster online)

Sample usage: "Surely the grocery store self-checkout managers know that using one's own bag is a massive pain-point. It has a button that says, 'I'm using my own bag.' But when you push it, the machine freaks out and says, 'Unexpected item in bagging area.' Pain! Pointy pain!"

Quality: Instantly understood, the term can be used anywhere. Except where there's actual pain. You'll never hear a dental receptionist say, "Oh, the hold music on the answering service for emergency calls, that's the pain-point."

JAMES LILEKS

Interested in other words we've dissected? See more at startribune.com/word.

about the writer

about the writer

James Lileks

Columnist

James Lileks is a Star Tribune columnist.

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