[palata]

> I've been told to "google it" more times than I could ever count and not once have I perceived a condescending intent.

Personally, when someone answers "google it", I read it as "fuck off". If you don't want to help me, just don't; no need to explicitly say you won't.

However, it's totally different if you say "you should read about concepts X, Y, Z", because that gives me keywords to search for.

> If I turn to my coworker and ask [...]

Well that's a bit different than asking a question to strangers online. Of course sometimes it makes sense to ask a coworker, though a quick search beforehand never hurts.