Freudian terms ought now be passé

Well, yes, Bill - but on the other hand, "anally retentive" does (for its sins) summarise a certain combination of (supposed) character traits. I doubt many people using the term are being strictly accurate, let alone that they've read Freud, but what else do you call someone who - as far as you are concerned - is tidy and organised to the point of the behaviour looking compulsive?

Ah, "compulsively tidy".

Dunno, I still think "anal" is useful (i.e. I've occasionally found myself using it). I agree the term is offensive, but then you wouldn't be saying it to be nice.

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