musicianmom Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Is anyone else annoyed by the recent avoidance of the word "give" in favor of "gift"? Example I just read on FB: "Someone gifted us with a boat." Why not "Someone gave us a boat"? Edit for more accurate quote. The FB post was "my husband and I were gifted a boat." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briansmama Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I like it! I think it sounds nice. Sort of like saying "Someone blessed us with a boat" but maybe without the religious undertone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 It bugs me, I see it used frequently these days. But if gifted is the verb in the sentence you gave, I personally think the "with a boat" prepositional phrase is awkward. Shouldn't it read, "Someone gifted us a boat."? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't care for it. I first heard it on a tv show (Clean House), and it struck me as off. But Briansmama's explanation might make me reconsider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Yea, it bothers me. I tell my kids that you shouldn't verbify nouns. There are many nouns that people use as verbs. Google. Paypal. Gift. They laugh and continue on their way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicianmom Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share Posted August 31, 2013 Okay, the actual quote was "My husband and I were just gifted a boat." I will edit my original post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Doesn't bother me (and I'm frequently bothered by kre8tiv language). ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 How about 'journal' as a verb? The grammarian in me is irked by all these nouns made into verbs but the language lover in me is fascinated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 It's not new to me. Hmm... I looked it up online and the website Grammarist says it has been used as a verb since the 17th century. Is that not correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Doesn't bother me. Sometimes it seems gifted is more appropriate than give/ gave. some folks use the word in place of blessed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaCEmom Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't think it's a new term. Seems like I've heard it for years now. And I like it. IMO it sounds more grateful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't think it's a new term. Seems like I've heard it for years now. And I like it. IMO it sounds more grateful. The more I think about it, the less I dislike it. There is a positivity to it that "give" lacks. Nobody gifts you a speeding ticket or a disease. Somebody might give you an argument or a hard time. I'm reluctantly coming around to verbifying gift (though I doubt I'll ever use it that way myself). As for construction, I think I like it paired with "with." Much like you'd be blessed with, you could be gifted with. And I'm spending way too much time thinking about this. Couldn't be because I'm putting off cleaning the oven...:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I like it and I use it shamelessly . Gifting is so much kinder and more generous than giving .imo there's a note of the unexpected in gifting. My friends and I give and share and barter often . Those all go both ways. But gifting is an expression of pure generosity with no expectation of reciprocation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicianmom Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share Posted August 31, 2013 It's not new to me. Hmm... I looked it up online and the website Grammarist says it has been used as a verb since the 17th century. Is that not correct? Probably, but I only started hearing it in conversation within the last 3-5 years. And thanks to the other posters, I now know why the term has risen in popularity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I can't stand it. It bugs me to death. Why wouldn't you just say "My husband and I have just been given a boat"? Why "gifted" when there is a real word to use? Hate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't even like "party" as a verb, but I know that ship has sailed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't even like "party" as a verb, but I know that ship has sailed. Oh, I'll stand with you on that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I can't stand it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 It drives me nuts :) I've also got a problem with all the news agencies and other organizations who "reach out" to someone for comment. I'm probably alone on that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRG Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I think it's pretentious. 'Meaty' to describe anything bugs me, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Yes it bothers me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I think it's pretentious. 'Meaty' to describe anything bugs me, too. :lol: I don't even like "party" as a verb, but I know that ship has sailed. :smilielol5: And just to be clear, I'm laughing *with* both of you, as someone for whom the whole spectrum of language is fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Yes!! :cursing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 It drives me nuts :) I've also got a problem with all the news agencies and other organizations who "reach out" to someone for comment. I'm probably alone on that... You are not alone! I hate the term "gifted" and don't reach out to me unless I'm drowning and you're wanting me to grab a life preserver. I also find it irritating when someone adds, "as a family" to the end of whatever their plans are. "We're going to the park as a family." What else would you be going as? A sleuth of wild bears? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I don't even like "party" as a verb, but I know that ship has sailed. Oh, I'll stand with you on that one. It probably sailed with... "We're gonna party like it's 1999." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mena Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 I've never heard this in real life, but it would bother me. I do like "regift" though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewellsmommy Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 Yea, it bothers me. I tell my kids that you shouldn't verbify nouns. There are many nouns that people use as verbs. Google. Paypal. Gift. They laugh and continue on their way. Wait...isn't 'verbify' turning a noun into a verb! :lol: You should not use nouns in place of verbs. :P Text is another noun turned verb that you hear a lot. The only one that bothers me is 'conversate". shudder...it's converse, people,. We converse. We do not conversate. We have conversations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Yes! A thousand times yes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Not a fan. I do like the word "verbify", though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I think it's pretentious. 'Meaty' to describe anything bugs me, too. I'm a vegetarian. This makes me gag a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Bothers me immensely. And don't get me started on the resurgence of "reason why," as opposed to "reason"; the death of the subjunctive mood; "there's" with a plural object (seriously, radio ad people: get. it. right.); and stupid Facebook's telling me every blasted time that "Katie has updated THEIR profile picture." Hell in a handbasket, that's what where we're going. Nobody even cares any more. Well, except me. I care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Bothers me immensely. And don't get me started on the resurgence of "reason why," as opposed to "reason"; the death of the subjunctive mood; And let's not forget the conditional either. I can still hear the phrase from french grammar class...'si j'etais riche j'acheterais un chateau' If I were rich I would buy a castle. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 the language lover in me is fascinated. :iagree: I used to much more of a stickler for proper usage. However, now I am more fascinated by how languages evolves. Like it or not, they evolve based on how language is used. Eventually, the new usage can become the standard usage. Isn't it just awesome that "awful" used to be deserving of awe? On the other hand, I have one DD that gets upset at how often "decimate" is used to mean "devastate." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 And let's not forget the conditional either. I can still hear the phrase from french grammar class...'si j'etais riche j'acheterais un chateau' If I were rich I would buy a castle. :lol: It pains me too much to even speak of such things. I JUST covered this with my adult ESL class. It was yet another, "If you mess this up, no one but me will know," moments. They look at me like I have sprouted an extra head, but they are sweet and play along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I like it! I think it sounds nice. Sort of like saying "Someone blessed us with a boat" but maybe without the religious undertone? I've only heard/read "gifted" as a Christianese thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 It pains me too much to even speak of such things. I JUST covered this with my adult ESL class. It was yet another, "If you mess this up, no one but me will know," moments. They look at me like I have sprouted an extra head, but they are sweet and play along. Ahem. Isn't it "No one but I will know?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I've only heard/read "gifted" as a Christianese thing. This. ^^^ Yes, it annoys me to no end, as does the use of the word purpose as a verb. Conversate?? Gah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 This. ^^^ Yes, it annoys me to no end, as does the use of the word purpose as a verb. Conversate?? Gah! Conversate? You've heard conversate? We are doomed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I think I'm too laid back. None of this bothers me in the slightest. As someone whose family died in concentration camps, the term Nazi for anyone who supports a cause *does bother me, though. That's all I can think of besides the obviously offensive words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shukriyya Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I've only heard/read "gifted" as a Christianese thing. Hey, now there's another interesting word, 'Christianese'. Are you playing with us, Parrothead? :lol: (I seem to be using this smile a lot on this thread) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I think it adds more detail to the language when it is used. It's more specific. Kind of how the French have great verbs for many things we would normally use only one verb for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Hate it. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I hate it. I have never heard it used in South Africa, nor in Australia. The first time I came across this usage was amongst Indian English speakers, where it was quite common. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Cannot stand it. :banghead: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I dislike it, but not as much as I dislike "ask" used as a noun. ("So my ask for you is . . . ") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 It drives me nuts :) I've also got a problem with all the news agencies and other organizations who "reach out" to someone for comment. I'm probably alone on that... You are not alone. I recently posted about just that term, and others, in a post about jargon. I can't stand it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I thought it was an American evangelical type expression. It is not something I have ever heard said here in Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenmama2 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Yes, yes yes. I loathe it. It really, really bothers me immensely. I have heard it in Australia. Initially only by second gen immigrants (parents were not native English speakers) but more recently it seems to have taken off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I dislike it, but not as much as I dislike "ask" used as a noun. ("So my ask for you is . . . ") Oh, my! That sounds like something a toddler would say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhanaBee Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Yes, it irritates me to no end. But not as much as my cousin's many posts on FB that begin "This week I PURPOSE to....[fill in the blank - usually something all Christian-y like 'Read the Bible from front to back']." For a long time I thought she was spelling "propose" incorrectly. But no - she is actually using "purpose". I told her it's a noun. She said grammar doesn't count any more because nobody cares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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