Gossip Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
gossip
[หษกษsษชp ]
Definitions
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 |
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gossip |
Used when talking about unverified information, often about personal matters and private affairs of others, sometimes with a negative or hurtful intent.
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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.
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chitchat |
Refers to light, informal conversation about trivial matters, usually in a friendly and polite manner.
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scuttlebutt |
Informal slang for gossip or rumors, often used in workplaces, especially in the context of discussing company news or employee behavior.
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hearsay |
Used for unverified information that one has heard from someone else, often implying uncertainty and lack of credibility.
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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.
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.
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spread rumors |
Used when talking about actively circulating unverified or false information about someone, usually with harmful intentions. It has a strong negative connotation.
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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.
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chat |
Used when referring to a friendly, informal conversation. It's typically light-hearted and not serious.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- She loved to gossip about her neighbors.
- They were gossiping about the latest scandal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'gossip'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'gossip' originated in the early 12th century from the Old English term 'godsibb', which meant 'godparent'. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to close friends or companions. By the late 14th century, 'gossip' took on the connotation of a person, especially a woman, engaging in idle talk or rumor-mongering. Today, 'gossip' is commonly used to describe casual or idle talk about others.
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.
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- 9448 nicely
- 9449 harness
- 9450 sloping
- 9451 gossip
- 9452 harmonious
- 9453 sailor
- 9454 starvation
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