laid back

[beachboy]

Does the adjective "laid back" have a positive or negative conotation? Or either, depending on the context? I kind of think it means "calm, relaxed", but I can't feel it. I am not comfortable to use it. Thanks

[mykwyner]

Laid back can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context.

Bob's laid back management style creates a lax work environment where things don't get done on time. (negative)

Bob's laid back management style is the reason that his employees are so happy and productive. (positive)

I would say that this idiom is a little too slangy for a beginning English user to use comfortably. The range of interpretations can go from "lazy" to "comfortable."

[David L.]

It's hyphenated - laid-back
It means relaxed and easy-going. In itself, it doesn't necessarily have either positive or negative connotations, compared with 'upright' = anxious in a tense and over-controlled way.
It would be the context and tone of voice and phrasing that would really push it into being seen as a positive or negative comment:
Laid-back and easy to get on with
compare
a laid-back hippie (suggest someone idle, not accepting responsibilities)

[beachboy]

Thanks to both. Just one more question: is it common (or right) to use "laid-back" predicatively? Like "John is always very laid-back"?

[mykwyner]

Sure, that's normal usage.