rumourmonger
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who habitually spreads rumors, gossip, or unverified personal information about other people.
Usage
The word "rumourmonger" is used to label a person whose characteristic behavior is to collect and disseminate gossip, often of a sensational or private nature. It carries a strongly negative connotation, implying the person is untrustworthy, meddlesome, and enjoys causing intrigue or harm through speculation.
Examples
- The office rumourmonger was the first to know about the impending layoffs, or so she claimed.
- He gained a reputation as a rumourmonger after spreading false stories about his neighbors.
- To avoid being labeled a rumourmonger, she made sure to verify any information before repeating it.
Advanced Usage
- "To play the rumourmonger": To actively engage in the behavior of spreading rumors.
- During the election, several tabloids chose to play the rumourmonger rather than report on policy.
Variants and Related Words
- Rumormonger (noun): The standard American English spelling of the word.
- Rumour-mongering / Rumor-mongering (noun): The act or practice of spreading rumors.
- The political campaign was damaged by relentless rumor-mongering.
- Gossipmonger (noun): A near-synonym, specifically emphasizing the spreading of gossip about personal lives.
Synonyms
- Gossip
- Busybody
- Scandalmonger
- Tattletale (often used in contexts involving children)
- Whisperer
Related Phrases
- To spread rumors/gossip: The verbal action performed by a rumourmonger.
- She was accused of spreading malicious rumors about her colleague.
- A grapevine of rumors: An informal network through which rumors spread.
- According to the office grapevine, changes are coming.
Noun
- a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others