Gossip
'ɡɒsɪp
Definitions
2 meaningsRumors or informal, often negative, talk about other people's private lives.
'ɡɒsɪp
Casual or unconfirmed information
I heard some interesting gossip at the coffee shop this morning.
💡 Simply: It's like when you and your friends tell each other exciting news about other people, especially if the news is a little bit sneaky or not completely confirmed. Imagine sharing secrets during a sleepover! That's gossip.
👶 For kids: Talking about other people's secrets.
More Examples
She loves to spread gossip about her neighbors.
The internet is often filled with unsubstantiated gossip.
How It's Used
"The latest gossip in the office is about the new manager."
"Tabloid magazines are often filled with celebrity gossip."
To engage in casual conversation or reports about the private affairs of others, often including unconfirmed information or rumors.
'ɡɒsɪp
To talk casually about other people, often negatively
They were gossiping about their coworkers during lunch.
💡 Simply: When you talk about other people's lives, sharing secrets or news that's not really your business, that’s gossiping. It's like you're the detective of other people's lives!
👶 For kids: To talk about other people's secrets.
More Examples
It's not polite to gossip about other people's problems.
She tends to gossip a lot, so I don't tell her any secrets.
How It's Used
"They were gossiping about the new couple in town."
"The employees were caught gossiping during the meeting."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
gossip column
A section in a newspaper or magazine dedicated to writing about the personal lives of famous people.
"She always reads the gossip column to find out about her favorite celebrities."
gossip monger
A person who habitually spreads gossip.
"He is a well-known gossipmonger in the neighborhood."
gossip mill
A place or situation where gossip is spread.
"The office is a constant gossip mill."
From Old English 'godsibb' (godparent, close friend), originally referring to a person, often a woman, who attended a birth and offered support, evolving to mean someone who spreads rumors.
The word 'gossip' originally meant a close friend or godparent, especially a woman who attended a birth. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning through association with the conversations and exchanges of information among these close companions.
Memory tip
Think of people whispering secrets and sharing news that isn't always true.
Word Origin
"godparent, close friend"