Is the use of "trying to" in place of "wanting to" occurring nationwide or regionally? What is its prevalence and when did it start?
I'm in my late 20s and live in New England. In the past 2-3 years, I've noticed people starting to use this phrase. I've heard this in people from New England, Brooklyn, and Pennsylvania for scope. Here are some examples of how I've heard it, immediately followed with the response it invokes in me.
You trying to play golf after work?
^No, at this moment, I am not actively attempting to play golf.
You trying to grab some lunch?
^No, I am not actively trying to grab lunch, but I would like to get lunch.
Hey, I'm not trying to have a hangover tomorrow!
^Of course nobody would try to have a hangover tomorrow.
But in these instances, the speaker is not asking or declaring about an intentional attempt to do something; they are indicating a desire to do something.
This use just strikes me as odd.