gossip

USAGE SUMMARY

'gossip' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to conversations or stories about the personal or private lives of other people, often unverified and of a sensational or scandalous nature. For example: "The latest gossip around town has it that the mayor is involved in a financial scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charlotte looks after guests in the day, Simon at night, where the often-raucous (but non-compulsory) communal dinners provide a wonderful way of making friends and picking up the local gossip.

The Guardian - Travel

I realise how much I rely on external narratives to get me through the day – work, novels, films, gossip, Twitter, news, whatever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We chewed over the usual unremarkable topics: The X Factor, future plans, idle gossip, the new Bond film.

The Guardian - Opinion

Places that treated me as a friend include Vivenda dos Palhaços (£55 per room, vivendagoa.com) in Majorda, Goa, and interior designer David Carter's fabulous 40 Winks (single room £90, 40winks.org) in London, where you get treated to gossip in the garden over G&Ts.

The Guardian - Travel

Sky newsroom reporters and one paper's gossip columnist were recently recruited.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it lacks the Big Apple's attitude – I don't think we ate anywhere that diners at neighbouring tables didn't chat, offering restaurant advice and gossip, and even – when our taxis failed to show – lifts to our destination.

The Guardian - Travel

She likes to sit on her porch, to gossip, to offer around baklava and the jam she makes.

The Guardian

It is a thought that passes through few political journalists' minds - even in the US where, in the absence of the lobby system, articles have to be based on thought rather than fragments of gossip.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many readers start reading from the back pages, wanting informed comment, gossip and reports about their favourite team … "Cutting three of the nine remaining Express sports reporters means that major sports events simply cannot be covered".

The Guardian

But he also mentions that he himself only cares to read "upscale social gossip" in Tatler and Vanity Fair.

The Guardian

Tired of the solitary life that won him fame and fortune as a novelist, Faulks has used this week's Spectator to seek a nine-to-five gig that'll provide him with "colleagues, gossip, promotions, lunches and a PAYE packet in a grey-windowed envelope".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gossip" in your writing, consider the context and the potential negative connotations associated with it. Choose alternative terms like "casual conversation" or "news" if you want to avoid negative implications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "gossip" is always harmless. Be aware that spreading personal information, even if seemingly innocuous, can have detrimental effects on relationships and reputations.

Linguistic Context

The word "gossip" primarily functions as a noun, referring to idle talk or rumors about others' affairs. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to engage in such talk. Ludwig examples confirm its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gossip" is a common term that can function as both a noun and a verb, referring to casual or private talk about others. While Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, it often carries negative connotations, so context is crucial. Consider using alternatives like "idle chatter" or "casual conversation" depending on the situation. Be mindful of the potential impact of spreading "gossip", as it can affect reputations and relationships. The word is most frequently found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scuttlebutt

Focuses on rumors that are specific to a certain group or workplace.

idle chatter

Focuses on the trivial and unimportant nature of the conversation.

water cooler talk

Indicates informal discussions, especially among colleagues.

rumor mongering

Highlights the spreading of unverified information.

dirt dishing

Emphasizes the sharing of scandalous or compromising details.

spreading tales

Emphasizes the act of disseminating stories, often personal or private.

telling secrets

Highlights the breach of confidentiality.

casual conversation

Downplays the potentially malicious aspect of gossip, focusing on its social function.

private revelations

Emphasizes the intimate or secret aspect of the information being shared.

backstage rumors

Highlights the closed-door nature and potential for speculation.

FAQs

How can I use "gossip" in a sentence?

You can use "gossip" in a sentence to describe idle talk or rumors about others' personal affairs. For example, "The office was filled with juicy gossip after the manager's announcement."

What can I say instead of "gossip"?

You can use alternatives like "idle chatter", "rumor mongering", or "casual conversation" depending on the context.

Is "gossip" always negative?

While often associated with negative connotations, "gossip" isn't always malicious. It can also refer to harmless chatter or social bonding, though it's important to be mindful of the impact it can have.

What's the difference between "gossip" and "news"?

"Gossip" generally refers to unverified or personal information, while "news" is typically factual and reported by credible sources. However, celebrity "gossip" and entertainment "news" can sometimes overlap.