Gossip: meaning, definitions and examples

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gossip

[ˈɡɒsɪp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

spread rumors

Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Synonyms

chitchat, hearsay, rumors, scuttlebutt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gossip	Used when talking about unverified information, often about personal matters and private affairs of others, sometimes with a negative or hurtful intent. She loves to gossip about her colleagues during lunch breaks. Spreading gossip can harm people's reputations.
rumors	Information or a story that is spread among people and that is not confirmed as true, often creating intrigue or panic, usually with a neutral to negative connotation. There are rumors that the company might be shutting down. She denied all the rumors about her resignation.
chitchat	Refers to light, informal conversation about trivial matters, usually in a friendly and polite manner. We had a pleasant chitchat over coffee this afternoon. The meeting began with some chitchat to break the ice.
scuttlebutt	Informal slang for gossip or rumors, often used in workplaces, especially in the context of discussing company news or employee behavior. The scuttlebutt around the office is that there might be layoffs next month. I'm not one to believe the scuttlebutt, but it seems everyone's talking about it.
hearsay	Used for unverified information that one has heard from someone else, often implying uncertainty and lack of credibility. It's just hearsay; I wouldn't trust it without proof. In court, hearsay evidence is usually not admissible.

Examples of usage

He couldn't resist the urge to engage in gossip with his coworkers.
She was tired of all the office gossip about her personal life.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

talk about someone

Engage in casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

Synonyms

chat, spread rumors, talk, whisper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gossip	Used when talking about sharing private or sensational information about others, often without their knowledge. This word usually has a negative connotation. She loves to gossip about her neighbors
spread rumors	Used when talking about actively circulating unverified or false information about someone, usually with harmful intentions. It has a strong negative connotation. It's not good to spread rumors about your colleagues
talk	Used in a general sense to describe the act of speaking or having a conversation. It lacks the informal or secretive implications of some of the other words. Can we talk about our plans for the weekend?
chat	Used when referring to a friendly, informal conversation. It's typically light-hearted and not serious. We had a nice chat over coffee
whisper	Used to describe speaking very softly so others cannot hear, often to maintain secrecy or indicate confidentiality. It can have either positive or negative connotations depending on context. They had to whisper so they wouldn't disturb others in the library

Examples of usage

She loved to gossip about her neighbors.
They were gossiping about the latest scandal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'gossip', which originally meant 'a godparent' or a close friend who was expected to help raising a child.
In Middle English, 'gossip' referred to a woman who was present during childbirth, hence the association with close friends and family sharing secrets.

Psychology

Studies show that gossip can help strengthen social bonds by allowing people to share information and opinions about others.
Research indicates that gossip can also serve as a social tool, helping to reinforce group norms by communicating unacceptable behavior.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'Gossip Girl' have highlighted the allure and drama of gossip among teens and young adults, showcasing its impact on relationships.
Historical figures, such as Benjamin Franklin, famously engaged in political gossip, using it as a tactic for influence during critical periods in American history.

Literature

Gossip often serves as a pivotal plot device in classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, where societal expectations and rumors shape characters' reputations.
In many fairy tales, gossip among characters drives the narrative forward, influencing the ways in which conflicts are resolved or relationships formed.

Sociology

Sociologists have found that gossip occurs in every culture and serves various social functions, from entertainment to enforcing community standards.
The rise of social media has transformed gossip from private conversations to public discourse, impacting its reach and consequences in contemporary society.

Translations

Translations of the word "gossip" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fofoca

🇮🇳 गपशप

🇩🇪 Klatsch

🇮🇩 gosip

🇺🇦 плітка

🇵🇱 plotka

🇯🇵 ゴシップ

🇫🇷 ragot

🇪🇸 chisme

🇹🇷 dedikodu

🇰🇷 소문

🇸🇦 نميمة

🇨🇿 drb

🇸🇰 klebeta

🇨🇳 八卦 (bāguà)

🇸🇮 opravljanje

🇮🇸 slúður

🇰🇿 өсек

🇬🇪 ჭორი

🇦🇿 dedikodu

🇲🇽 chisme

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,451 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9448 nicely
9449 harness
9450 sloping
9451 gossip
9452 harmonious
9453 sailor
9454 starvation
...