Gossiping

/ˈɡɒs.ɪ.pɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
Engaging in casual or idle talk about others, often involving rumors or personal information.
They spent the evening gossiping about their neighbors' recent activities.
To spread or discuss rumors or secret information about someone else.
He was always gossiping about celebrity scandals and sharing them on social media.
Sharing trivial or private information, especially in a way that is not meant to be taken seriously.
The coworkers gathered at lunch, gossiping about the latest office drama.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'gossippe', meaning a person who helps a woman in childbirth, from Old English 'godsibb', meaning ‘godparent’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

spill the tea
To share gossip or information.
have a little birdie tell you
To imply that someone has received information from a secret source.
let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret, often unintentionally.

Related Words

gossip
A casual conversation or reports about other people; often involving rumors.
rumor
A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
slander
The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

Slang Meanings

Jibber-jabber
They sat around the table engaging in some good jibber-jabber about the party.
Dish
She loves to dish about all the latest happenings in the neighborhood.
Tea
Did you hear the tea on their breakup? It's wild!