Do you hate people (and especially managers) overusing positive words?

There is often a huge chasm between what people SAY and what they MEAN.

From a pragmatic viewpoint, I think it is best to not get hung up on word-choice and instead gain an appreciation of what motivates the managers/co-workers you're interacting with.

Geeks have a really hard time with this. I like to think of the scene in film "Annie Hall" where the Woody Allen and Mia Farrow characters have a mundane discussion while on the screen subtitles appear indicating what they're REALLY saying. That's what it is like when you're in the early stages of developing a work relationship with someone.

I don't, actually. I'm usually happy to be appreciated.

I do get slightly annoyed if the level of praise is too far above the actual accomplishment, but then I just remind myself that what -looks- difficult and what -is- difficult aren't usually the same to someone outside the field.

Brilliant of you to post this, champ!