I think there are two reasons to be irritated by the oddly popular phrase "that being said" or the equally strange, and pretentious, variation "having said that."

The first phrase is a simple waste of words. For example, someone might say, "The Pirates have been a losing team for 15 years. That being said, it's better than having a minor-league franchise in Pittsburgh."

In this case, the speaker seems to be trying to soften his first statement. If so, why not save time, and words, by simply using a more traditional term? "However" would suffice.

A more curious and seemingly deceptive use of this phrase is when someone uses it to imply that the listener accepts or approves a preceding statement. For example, a FOX news reporter recently said, "We had to invade Iraq. That being said, the occupation has been challenging."

In this case, the speaker arrogantly used the phrase to self-declare that his preceding statement was correct. In other words, the reporter wanted his listeners to accept his premise, and shift the focus to his second statement.

Perhaps this type of usage originated during the Catholic Inquisition in 17th-century Italy: "The sun revolves around the Earth. That being said, let's go torture a few heretics!"

-- JAY LYNCH, Upper St. Clair

We are NASCAR fans. We have noticed that the TV announcers love to use the phrase "here come the leaders."

There can't be more than one "leader." Why do they make that word plural?!

-- JoANNE HEADLAND, Beechview

Eugene P. Foley of Wilkins is right on target with his Word Watch item on May 9, "At My Age, I Might Be Flattered To Be Among the 'Guys.' But Can You Leave My Wife Out Of It?"

It is demeaning to every lady to be greeted by a waiter, or even worse by a waitress, with the words "Hi you guys. How are you doin' and what would you like?"

I will often stare at the perpetrator and say, "I am not a guy, I am a lady." Unfortunately, they look at me as thought my head is not screwed on straight, but then they realize that I am serious and fumble around with an apology.

I have complained to many restaurant owners, but I really do not think they understand.

Where did the unisex use of "you guys" come from?

We may never know. But in the meantime, can we ladies take our defense to another level -- and will the gentlemen who escort us to restaurants give us some help?

Maybe little signs can be made with the words, "I am not a 'guy.' I am a lady." We can carry the sign in our purse and set it on a restaurant table if it proves to be necessary

Or maybe if every woman who agrees with me and the Foleys writes the Post-Gazette, calls a talk show or finds another way to get the message across, the idea will hopefully sink in.

Is there someone in our wonderful city of Pittsburgh who is creative and willing to mass produce such a small easel sign? We need to educate not just restaurant wait staff but all service personnel and especially their employers.

Thank you for listening.

-- FRANCES COHEN-KNOERDEL, Venetia

The words "enormous" and "enormity" have two separate meanings -- but are often used interchangeably.

However, when describing the federal deficit, both could apply. One would tell us its size and the other would call it what it is, which is an outrageous crime.

-- BILL SCHWARTZ, Scott