Gift (noun): A thing given willingly to someone without payment

[Anonymous]

I think this is a good time for everyone on DCUM to review the definion of a "gift."

A gift is something someone gives to you without expecting anything in return, other than a simple "thank you."

I am stunned at the number of posts involving gift-giving drama. Makes me SO happy my family decided long ago to stop giving gifts at all.

[Anonymous]

Also of note: GIFT IS NOT A VERB.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

AMEN people!!!!! I hate that word.

[Anonymous]

So when my MIL gives me a "gift" but it has stings attached, then it's not really a gift I guess?

[Anonymous]

The actual definition according to the US Supreme Court is something given with “disinterested generosity “.

[Anonymous]

In the broader context of human societies, what you say is not actually true. Gift giving is inextricably linked to reciprocity. See Marcel Mauss, The Gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also of note: GIFT IS NOT A VERB.

Thank you.

Merriam-Webster disagrees with you.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gift-as-a-verb

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also of note: GIFT IS NOT A VERB.

Thank you.

+1,000
I have a FB friend who uses it as a verb and it sounds SO pretentious. Barf.

[Anonymous]

Actually from ethics seminars for work I can tell you gifts go beyond that. They are often given as a form of manipulation in the business world-trying to gain favor, etc which is why the government, schools, etc limit the dollar amount.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also of note: GIFT IS NOT A VERB.

Thank you.

Language evolves. The dictionary does not agree. Stop driving yourself crazy (and me, by constantly posting this diatribe) and just accept it.

[Anonymous]

If I gift avocado toast am I peak millennial?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually from ethics seminars for work I can tell you gifts go beyond that. They are often given as a form of manipulation in the business world-trying to gain favor, etc which is why the government, schools, etc limit the dollar amount.

By definition that’s not a gift. It’s a bribe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually from ethics seminars for work I can tell you gifts go beyond that. They are often given as a form of manipulation in the business world-trying to gain favor, etc which is why the government, schools, etc limit the dollar amount.

Which is also why many industries, especially those affiliated with the federal, state and local government, have a dollar limit to the value of a gift that can be accepted. Small items constitute gifts; large items can be considered bribes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also of note: GIFT IS NOT A VERB.

Thank you.

+1,000
I have a FB friend who uses it as a verb and it sounds SO pretentious. Barf.

It sounds the opposite of pretentious to me; if I have to analyze it, I'd say it's trashy: yes, I know this is a term overused on this site but using made-up, trendy words (even if they are considered "real" by now) just seems low class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is a good time for everyone on DCUM to review the definion of a "gift."

A gift is something someone gives to you without expecting anything in return, other than a simple "thank you."

I am stunned at the number of posts involving gift-giving drama. Makes me SO happy my family decided long ago to stop giving gifts at all.

DCUM translation: a weapon that can be used by either giver or recipient for decades to come.