idle gossip

USAGE SUMMARY

"idle gossip" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to conversations or rumors that involve no real significance or consequence. Example: "I try not to listen to idle gossip, as I find it unproductive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Such speculation is more than idle gossip.

Harvard Business Review

It's probably just idle gossip, and I don't believe in idle gossip.

The New Yorker

Distract her not with idle gossip.

The New York Times

Shapiro sternly dismisses this as idle gossip.

The Guardian - Books

The speculation may be more than idle gossip for bored bankers.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

There were also three benches that were meant to be used only by those who bought tea, though the idle gossips who crowded the shop and never spent any money occupied the seats most of the time.

The New Yorker

Mr. Huntsman dismissed the rumors of his candidacy as "idle hallway gossip".

The New York Times

But the issue, which used to be typically idle political gossip about a man in his 10th decade, has lately become quite serious.

The New York Times

Later that day, he's baffled to learn that his entire team has been scrambling all morning to confirm the rumor, which he had merely passed along as idle industry gossip.

Harvard Business Review

Her mother keeps the doors of their home firmly locked during the interview to shield her daughter from idle street gossip.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, avoid using "idle gossip" to maintain a professional tone. Instead, opt for more neutral terms like "speculation" or "rumors" depending on the context.

Common error

Don't assume "idle gossip" is harmless. Even if unintentional, it can damage reputations and create unnecessary conflict. Consider the potential consequences before repeating unverified information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idle gossip" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of conversation characterized by its lack of purpose and potential for harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idle gossip" is a noun phrase denoting trivial and often unproductive conversation, with potentially harmful consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound, its use can reflect negatively on a speaker's perception. Predominantly found in news and media, its register is neutral. Related phrases include "empty gossip", "trivial gossip", and "idle speculation". Effective communication involves understanding both the linguistic and social implications of such phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial gossip

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness of the gossip.

petty gossip

Highlights the trivial and insignificant nature of the gossip.

empty gossip

Highlights the lack of substance in the gossip, stressing its worthlessness.

pointless rumor

Focuses on the futility and lack of purpose in spreading unsubstantiated information.

idle speculation

Emphasizes conjecture without factual basis, similar to gossip but focused on prediction.

meaningless chatter

Highlights the lack of significance or depth in the conversation.

vain gossip

Suggests the gossip is not only pointless but also conceited or self-centered in some way.

idle talk

A broader term for aimless conversation, lacking the negative connotation of gossip.

idle chitchat

Implies light, informal conversation, similar to gossip but less malicious.

idle banter

Describes playful and teasing conversation, differing from gossip's often judgmental nature.

FAQs

How can I use "idle gossip" in a sentence?

You can use "idle gossip" to describe trivial or unproductive conversations, as in "The meeting was unproductive and devolved into "idle gossip" about colleagues".

What's the difference between "idle gossip" and "rumors"?

"Idle gossip" implies a casual, often unproductive, exchange of unverified information. "Rumors" are more general and can be about significant or insignificant matters, without necessarily implying a conversation.

What can I say instead of "idle gossip"?

You can use alternatives like "idle speculation", "empty gossip", or "trivial gossip" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "idle gossip" always negative?

While "idle gossip" often carries a negative connotation due to its unproductive nature, it isn't always malicious. It can simply refer to unimportant conversations, but be mindful of its potential impact.