talebearing

Thân thiện

A student is talebearing about the surprise test.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Prone to communicating confidential information; inclined to tell secrets or spread gossip, especially in a way that causes trouble. Describes a person who habitually reveals private or secret matters about others, often to an authority figure or to stir conflict.

Usage

• The word "talebearing" is used to characterize a person's behavior or nature. It is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term with a strong negative connotation, implying disloyalty and mischief.
• It functions as a descriptive adjective, typically placed before a noun (attributive) or after a linking verb like "was" or "is" (predicative).

Examples

• Adjective (Attributive):
  • The talebearing student was disliked by his classmates for constantly reporting minor infractions to the teacher.
  • She warned her friend about the talebearing nature of their coworker.
• Adjective (Predicative):
  • The child was accused of being talebearing after the teacher learned about the secret plan.
  • His behavior was seen as talebearing and destructive to team morale.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries an implication of childish or petty behavior, similar to "tattling." It suggests the information is shared not for a noble reason but to gain favor, cause punishment, or create drama.
• It can be used in psychological or social contexts to describe a personality trait that undermines trust within a group.

Variants and Related Words

• Talebearer (noun): A person who engages in talebearing.
  • He was known as the office talebearer, always whispering rumors to the manager.
• Telltale (adjective/noun): Similar in meaning, often implying something that reveals or betrays a secret. As a noun, it can be a synonym for "talebearer."
  • The telltale signs of a struggle were evident. (Adjective)
  • Don't be a telltale. (Noun)

Synonyms

• Gossipy: Fond of or engaged in casual conversation about other people.
• Tattling: Informing on someone, especially for trivial misdeeds (common in child contexts).
• Blabbermouthed: Inclined to talk indiscreetly; unable to keep secrets.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To bear tales: This is the verbal phrase from which "talebearing" is derived. It means to spread gossip or reports, especially malicious ones.
  • She has a habit of bearing tales about her neighbors.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. prone to communicate confidential information

Từ đồng nghĩa

• blabbermouthed
• leaky
• talebearing
• tattling