I've noticed a tendancy of older engineers to cleverly sidestep pointed issues by completely ignoring the actual question you asked, also known as the "Most Ducks Are Brown" technique. Example:
You: Hey, how does this D flip-flop work?
Engineer: Most ducks are brown.
You: No, no, I was wondering about the flip-flop. Dows it change on the up edge of the clock or the down edge?
Engineer: No, really, most ducks are brown.
You: But, the D flip-flop?
Engineer: I don't think you're understanding. Most Ducks Are Brown. Some are white, but most are brown.
etc...

This happens most often with brand new professors and old engineers that have seen it all. Quite annoying when you want a direct answer to things like, "What's the first product?" and "How do I get in touch with that woman?" and "Are we meeting here or there in an hour?"
Do other professions do it too?