"gotten" just never sounded right to me and I grew up with it. I have been sitting here trying to say the word in my head and it just sounds wrong so I looked it up:
The word "gotten" is actually a proper part of English, particularly in American English, though it can sound odd or informal to some ears. Here's why it's used:
- Historical Usage: "Gotten" is the past participle of "get" in American English, used with "have" to indicate possession or acquisition (e.g., "I have gotten a new car"). It dates back to Middle English and was common in British English too, but over time, British English largely shifted to using "got" as the past participle, while American English retained "gotten."
- Distinction in Meaning: In American English, "gotten" often implies the process of obtaining something, while "got" can simply mean possession. For example:
- "I have gotten a gift" (I received or acquired a gift).
- "I have got a gift" (I possess a gift).This subtle distinction makes "gotten" useful for clarity in certain contexts.
- Regional Preference: "Gotten" is standard in American English but less common in British English, where it can sound archaic or overly formal. If someone finds it odd, it might be due to exposure to British or other non-American English varieties where "got" dominates.
- Informal Tone: "Gotten" can sound casual or conversational, which might make it feel less "proper" to some, especially in formal writing. However, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in American English, even in formal contexts when used appropriately.
If it feels off to you, it could be because of regional differences or because "got" is often overused in casual speech, making "gotten" stand out. But rest assured, it's legitimate American English, rooted in history and still widely used.
So I blame the Egg Thief....