>>kids these days often describe the multiplication table as "the times table"<<

A quick Google search shows teachers (not just kids) using it in 1875.

"Kids these days"....

I'm sure you're right, Lighter. The target of the expression of dismay was not the name of the table but referring to multiplication (in the various verbal declensions) as "timesing" (if you'll pardon the pun) even by teachers who probably knew no better.

Cheers, Rowan