Dutch is my first language, and i happen to use English for almost everyting i do online, yet everyone who does not have english as first language is at a disatvantage to all native english speakers, in terms of legal matters, political speak, etc, but also because english fails to have certain words.
Gratis, (as in no price) is twisted into 'free' in the english language.
Where we use seperate words.

With this word Gratis it shows a deeper meaning. Also because capitalism abuses the word free on a regulair basis. In the capitalist sense they tend to give away stuff for free (Gratis) BUT they still expect someting in return.
Tit for tat. So they enslave you with a worthless gadget. Then use the word 'free' to mislead. Since it is actually the opposite OF free as it psychologically enslaves you to make you feel you are in debt.

The word gratis is a very strong example of this disadvantage, but there are many more twisted things to find in the english language.

From what i hear the french are most aware of this as they are linguistic nitpickers? Is this true?

Once i became aware of this abuse of the word 'gratis' i tend to spot many more of these cases. I wonder how the spanish language compares, unfortunately my spanish is very limited, I can read enough to get an idea what is being said, but cannot write it.