Definition

Noun: 1. The act of engaging in casual or idle talk, often about the personal or private affairs of others, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true. This refers to the activity or conversation itself. 2. The spreading of rumors or personal information. This emphasizes the communicative aspect of sharing such talk.

Usage

The word "gossiping" functions as a noun (gerund) to describe the activity or instance of gossip. It is often used in a disapproving context to indicate talk that is potentially harmful, intrusive, or based on speculation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The constant gossiping in the office created a toxic work environment.
  • She was tired of all the gossiping about her neighbors.
  • Their lunch hour was spent in idle gossiping.

Advanced Usage

• "to be accused of gossiping": to be charged with the act of spreading personal talk.
  • He was accused of gossiping about the manager's personal life.
• "to put a stop to the gossiping": to end or prevent the spread of such talk.
  • The principal tried to put a stop to the gossiping among the students.

Variants and Related Words

• Gossip (noun): Casual talk about others' personal lives; also, a person who habitually spreads such talk.
  • That magazine is full of celebrity gossip. / She is a terrible gossip.
• Gossip (verb): To engage in gossiping.
  • They would gossip on the phone for hours.
• Gossipy (adjective): Resembling or characterized by gossip.
  • She wrote a gossipy email about the party.

Synonyms

• Tattling: Revealing secrets or private information, often by a child.
• Rumor-mongering: The active spreading of rumors.
• Tittle-tattle: Idle, chatty talk about others' affairs.

Related Phrases

• Gossip mill/grapevine: The informal network through which gossip spreads.
  • According to the office gossip mill, there will be layoffs soon.
• Gossip column: A section in a newspaper or magazine devoted to gossip about celebrities.
  • He first read about the scandal in a gossip column.

Noun

1. a conversation that spreads personal information about other people