[David Rosenthal]

Originally Posted by Maryann Corbett

Don't faint just yet, Janice. Here's an entry copied from Merriam-Webster's Unabridged online (the pronunciation sound file links won't copy, though):

Main Entry: 2 gift Pronunciation Guide
Pronunciation: "
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -ed/-ing/-s
1 : to endow with some power, quality, or attribute : INVEST <the Lord gifted him with the power of forceful speech>
2 a chiefly Britain : to make a gift of <gifted the money in memory of his uncle -- British Agric. Bulletin> <I hear Her Excellency's gifted the land -- Kamala Markandaya> b : to present with a gift : PRESENT <generously gifted us with a copy -- Saturday Review> <gifted his parents with a television set -- Sydney (Australia) Sunday Telegraph> <gifted her with a large heart-shaped diamond -- Louella Parsons>

I wish there were dates on these examples, and I wish there were usage notes. Here's the note from Fowler's 3d:

gift (verb): Despite its antiquity (first recorded in the 16th c.) and its frequent use, esp. by Scottish writers, since then, it has fallen out of favor among standard speakers in England and is best avoided. On the other hand, gifted ppl. adj 'talented' (a gifted violinist) is standard.

Yeah, as a verb it goes back to the 16th century, but primarily in the sense of "to endow with some power, quality, or attribute," which is where the adjective "gifted" comes from. But as it is used these days as interchangeable with "to give" makes no sense. What is the benefit of saying gift/gifted/gifting over give/gave/giving. I usually don't get to worked up about usage changes, but this one is so needless, it bothers even me. And it is very widespread.

David R.