The problem isn’t the word’s proper usage. It’s the over-usage of the word in pursuit of blowing off what has just been said.

“Whatever the problem, we have the solution.”

That’s fine. The problem comes when “whatever” is used in a dismissive tone.

Person 1: “You got every problem wrong on this test.” Person Two: “Whatever.”

And the most annoying form is when “whatever” is said as “what-evuh“, stereotypically by a gum-chewing teenager.

Other annoying words in the same vein: Like, Literally, So, and the phrase “you know what I mean”.

Improper usage of the second one especially annoys the hell out of me. “I literally blew up.” Really? Because you look to be in one piece. One would think literal explosions would result in more damage to flesh and bone.