The word "gifted" as a verb

[Anonymous]

A very minor annoyance, but is the use of "gifted," as in giving someone something, soaring? Most recent example on DCUM, someone "gifted" a poster used Montessori learning tools.

What's wrong with saying someone gave you something?

[Anonymous]

Gifted gives a little more information than gave. If I give you the salt and pepper at dinner, that's not a gift; you shouldn't take it home with you. I don't use it myself, but I see why people would.

[Anonymous]

Thank you OP I am seeing this constantly lately and it grates so much. But I think it’s a lost cause by now.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't bother me as much as "style" as a verb, or "collab," or "inspo."

Thank you, social media.

[Anonymous]

As the PP noted, when you say have 'gave' something to someone, it may or may not have been something they get to keep. Even if it's something you gave the for keeps, like an incurable STD, it still wouldn't be a gift - which implies something that is welcome.

Merriam-Webster has an interesting read on this 400 year old verb. https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gift-as-a-verb

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gifted gives a little more information than gave. If I give you the salt and pepper at dinner, that's not a gift; you shouldn't take it home with you. I don't use it myself, but I see why people would.

Except I never see it used where this information needs clarifying. Even your example is not a context where this information is needed.

I always feel embarrassed for people who use it. It sounds try-hard.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the use has increased exponentially. However, it’s really not a big deal; language evolves. Let this go; there are too many real things that are upsetting to let this little thing clutter your mind.

[Anonymous]

I don’t mind the word, and actually think it’s correct usage in your original post. A stranger gifts another person something large. If she gave it to the stranger, it seems weird.

[Anonymous]

Gifting is part of adulting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, the use has increased exponentially. However, it’s really not a big deal; language evolves. Let this go; there are too many real things that are upsetting to let this little thing clutter your mind.

This. You are probably unaware of how much of the language you currently use as "proper" was once an innovation that grated the nerves of traditionalists. The goals of language are communication and comprehension. As a PP noted, using "gift" as a verb offers some nuance and specificity that "give" does not. One of the wonderful things about English is how it evolves to accommodate this kind of nuance. It makes the language richer and more interesting.

Going around correcting people for using invented words (which you perfectly understand) is so tedious. Please channel your pedantry some other way!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gifting is part of adulting.

OP here. Exactly this.

I do agree that language evolves (I'm a writer), but some of it can still annoy me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gifted gives a little more information than gave. If I give you the salt and pepper at dinner, that's not a gift; you shouldn't take it home with you. I don't use it myself, but I see why people would.

Except I never see it used where this information needs clarifying. Even your example is not a context where this information is needed.

I always feel embarrassed for people who use it. It sounds try-hard.

This. Context clues are sufficient for anyone of average intelligence to understand whether something was a gift.

[Anonymous]

Language evolves over time. Get over it.

[Anonymous]

I also hate the use of “ask” as a noun. What’s wrong with “request?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gifted gives a little more information than gave. If I give you the salt and pepper at dinner, that's not a gift; you shouldn't take it home with you. I don't use it myself, but I see why people would.

But you don't "give me" the salt and pepper at dinner. You pass them to me.