talebearer
Definition
Noun: A person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts, rumors, or gossip about others, especially in a secretive or indiscreet manner.
Usage
A "talebearer" is a person who spreads stories, often of a private or scandalous nature, about other people. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person is untrustworthy, meddlesome, and enjoys causing trouble or stirring conflict by sharing information. It is a formal or literary term for a gossip.
Examples
- The office talebearer spread rumors about the manager's personal life, creating a tense atmosphere.
- She warned her children not to be talebearers, as spreading secrets can hurt friendships.
- In the small village, everyone feared the local talebearer, who seemed to know everyone's business.
Advanced Usage
- "To play the talebearer": To act in the role of a gossip.
- He was accused of playing the talebearer between the two feuding departments.
Variants and Related Words
- Talebearing (noun): The act of spreading gossip or rumors.
- The committee condemned the culture of talebearing within the organization.
Synonyms
- Gossip
- Rumormonger
- Scandalmonger
- Busybody
- Tattletale (more common in contexts involving children)
Idioms and Related Phrases
- "A talebearer reveals secrets": A proverb meaning that a gossip cannot be trusted with confidential information.
- You told him? Remember, a talebearer reveals secrets.
Noun
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someone who gossips indiscreetly
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