gossipry
- Noun:
- The practice or act of gossiping: "gossipry" refers to the habitual or collective activity of engaging in idle talk or rumour-mongering, especially about the personal affairs of others.
- Gossip collectively: The word can also denote a body or collection of gossip, i.e., the sum total of rumour and informal talk within a social group.
- (The habitual practice of gossiping in the community.)
- (The collective, ongoing idle talk among colleagues.)
"a hotbed of gossipry": a place or group where gossip is particularly prevalent.
- The small town was a hotbed of gossipry, where every secret was soon common knowledge. (A location where gossip thrives.)
"to engage in gossipry": to participate in the act of gossiping.
- They would engage in gossipry over afternoon tea, sharing stories about mutual acquaintances. (To take part in idle talk.)
Gossip (n): a person who habitually engages in idle talk; also, the talk itself.
- She is a notorious gossip. (A person who spreads rumours.)
Gossipy (adj): fond of or given to gossip; characteristic of gossip.
- The gossipy neighbour always had the latest news. (Inclined to gossip.)
Gossipmonger (n): a person who spreads gossip or scandal.
- The gossipmonger ruined her reputation with false stories. (Someone who actively spreads rumours.)
- Scandal: talk about the improper or shocking actions of others.
- Tittle-tattle: trivial or petty gossip.
- Rumour: unverified information spread informally.
- Small talk: light, casual conversation (often less malicious than gossip).
"A little bird told me": used to indicate that the speaker learned something from a secret or unnamed source, often in the context of gossip.
- "I heard you're getting married." "A little bird told me." (I learned it from gossip.)
"Gossip is the devil's radio": a proverbial saying meaning that gossip spreads harmful or negative information.
- She refused to listen, saying, "Gossip is the devil's radio." (Gossip is harmful.)
"Gossipry" is a relatively rare and somewhat archaic or formal noun, often used to emphasize the systematic or collective nature of gossiping, as opposed to the more common "gossip" which can refer to either the talk or the person. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in literary or descriptive contexts.