This word has largely taken the place of character and is now used to refer to the qualities in an individual that impress others: "Gray is a boy with a pleasing personality." It can also apply to atmosphere (a room with a warm personality) and, when used as a plural, can mean "heated remarks" or "quarreling": "The discussion began pleasantly but soon turned into a series of personalities." Personality is also overused in the sense of PERSONAGE: "In his day W. C. Fields was a noted personality."
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.