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Pedants' corner

Gifting?

(37 Posts)
Calendargirl Thu 06-Nov-25 14:16:14

Maybe not really for Pedants’ Corner, but fed up seeing on local Facebook page, often by an ‘Anonymous Member’, that ‘Is anyone gifting a dishwasher/washing machine/ cooker/fridge et al’.?

Why can’t they just say ‘Is anyone giving away said item?

Do they think it sounds better to say ‘gifting’?

Makes me really annoyed.

Moonwatcher1904 Sun 16-Nov-25 16:45:17

Me and DH are always talking about this. There is a woman on our local group who is forever asking "Is anyone gifting". I appreciate times are hard for some but it's always for things that can be bought cheaply locally.
The Shopping Channels are even worse. Everything they sell it's gift it to you family, friends, neighbours and some of the items are not cheap. So why would you.

jocork Sun 16-Nov-25 21:53:40

I use freegle myself but would never request something on Facebook. Also I hate the wanted posts that are specific about the style and condition of items - seems like scrounging to me. If I need something I can't afford I'm grateful for anything thatt does the job, whether it matches my colour scheme or not! I have given and received many items over the years, particularly after my ex husband left taking some things with him leaving us without. Now it is more likely to be giving stuff away as I'm trying to declutter, but wouldn't use the term gifting.
I do use the term regifting when giving something as a present that I had previously received and had no use for!

Babs03 Sun 16-Nov-25 22:11:26

I have no opinion on the word gift or present but I do think that giving stuff away on freecycle etc., is a good idea, and those in need of a particular item who ask for it specifically are not necessarily scroungers, just hoping someone sees their request and has what they need. But neighbours of ours advertised a futon bed on freecycle and the first people who responded wanted them to deliver it as well. So they said no and waited until somebody responded who could pick it up. The way I see it if you are getting something for free you arrange to pick it up. Simple as.

Babs03 Sun 16-Nov-25 22:14:15

Oh Lord I just used the phrase ‘simple as’ and I’m on pedant’s corner.
Is ok I’ll just get my coat 😬

Doodledog Sun 16-Nov-25 23:15:01

Often people who are in need of free items aren’t able to collect large things though. I’m not saying the giver should be out of pocket, but it’s by no means a given that if someone can’t collect they are being unreasonable. The cost of hiring a van would often be more than a bit of second hand furniture is worth, and that assumes that the taker can drive.

Calendargirl Mon 17-Nov-25 06:48:22

Doodledog

Often people who are in need of free items aren’t able to collect large things though. I’m not saying the giver should be out of pocket, but it’s by no means a given that if someone can’t collect they are being unreasonable. The cost of hiring a van would often be more than a bit of second hand furniture is worth, and that assumes that the taker can drive.

I agree with this.

I recently gave away a single bed, and was so pleased the couple who took it had their own transport.

We would probably have delivered it somewhere local if not, as if we had taken it to the tip (which would have been a shame as it was in VGC) it still meant a few miles to travel with it.

JackyB Mon 17-Nov-25 08:55:31

I've just realised that "to give" is transitive whereas "to gift" and "to give away" are intransitive, which makes them more versatile. Perhaps that's why "gift" is the word of choice for these people.

pen50 Mon 17-Nov-25 11:20:03

I haven't been able to confirm it but I was told that it was General Alexander Haig who first said, "There is no noun that cannot be verbed."

Suzieque66 Tue 14-Apr-26 08:53:20

So many people do this Go Fund Me ... pay for whatever it is yourself ! Why do you think you deserve a free ride ?

Gwyllt Tue 14-Apr-26 10:38:35

It’s a bit like people in smart cars and well dressed turn up at food banks
Never thought I would post on Penants” corner. I must be getting old. Better watch my spellings

SpinDriftCoastal Tue 14-Apr-26 11:52:38

Sanmrbro

I dislike the use of the word “Gift” for “Present “ - only because of its meaning in German😂😂😂

Somewhat toxic!