Definition

Noun Phrase: - The subject of widespread gossip or public conversation: This phrase refers to a person, event, or thing that has become the main topic of discussion and speculation among many people in a community or social group, often due to being scandalous, surprising, or notably interesting.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is currently being talked about by many people, making it the center of public attention or rumor.

Examples

• Noun Phrase:
  • Their sudden engagement became the talk of the town. (Their unexpected engagement became the main subject of everyone's conversation.)
  • The new art installation is the talk of the town; everyone is giving their opinion on it. (The new art installation is what everyone is discussing.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be the talk of the town": This is the most common construction, used to state that someone or something is currently the dominant subject of public gossip or interest.
  • After winning the championship, the young athlete was the talk of the town.
• The phrase often implies that the discussion is temporary and fueled by the novelty or notoriety of the subject.

Variants and Related Words

• Gossip (n/v): Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.
• Rumor (n): A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
• Buzz (n): A widespread rumor or piece of gossip; excited interest or attention.

Synonyms

• Topic of conversation: The subject being discussed.
• Center of attention: The main focus of interest and discussion.
• The buzz: The widespread, often excited, talk about something.

Related Idioms

• On everyone's lips: Being talked about by many people.
  • The scandal was on everyone's lips for weeks.
• The word on the street: The rumor or general opinion circulating among people.
  • The word on the street is that the company is about to be sold.

Noun

1. idle gossip or rumor
   • there has been talk about you lately