I can answer your question neon.
Yes we do use such lingo…. it helps keep us down with the kids and aids rapport building 😀 I have also been known to use the word ‘sweet’ in relation to a patients progress 🙂
Talking about doctors communication skills – I’m reminded of a story (hopefully apocryphal – but knowing the surgeon involved Im not sure that it isnt true) of a guy going to an outpatients clinic in Dundee when I was there to be told
“I have some good news and some bad news for you.”
“Ok doctor – whats the good news?”
“Well the good news is the test results are back and we now know whats wrong with you…… the bad news is….. its terminal.” 🙄