scandal-mongering

USAGE SUMMARY

"scandal-mongering" is a word that is correctly used in written English.
It is used to describe the activity of actively spreading rumors or stories about scandals or people involved in them. For example, "The local newspaper is known for its scandal-mongering articles about celebrities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He was accused of salaciousness and scandal-mongering.

The Guardian - Books

"This entire affair is nothing more than election-year scandal-mongering," Sophia Walker wrote.

The New York Times

I wasn't particularly surprised that Mr. Obama's numbers dipped after a month of endless scandal-mongering.

The New York Times

Theirs is a world riven by bitter quarrels, scandal-mongering, jealous slander, and vindictive scheming".

The New Yorker

But scandal-mongering, however serious these issues are, is not a strategy.

The New York Times

In short, the film sounds as if it will be unmitigated scandal-mongering.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The other strand portrays the bickering, treachery, wheeling and dealing, and financial scandal mongering within the reigning Union for a Popular Movement.

The New York Times

Last week the Russian ambassador to Lithuania called his host country a "nation of scandal-mongers" where "everyone is dirty".

The Economist

He was the epitome of a Fleet Street scandal-monger and happy to be regarded as such.

The Guardian

He'd been commissioned to create a piece "in the spirit of Diaghilev", the great Russian ballet impresario and scandal monger.

Independent

The high standards and wise judgments of people like Walter Cronkite once acted as our national immune system, zapping scandal-mongers and quashing wild rumors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scandal-mongering" when you want to emphasize the active and often malicious spreading of scandalous information, especially in contexts like politics or media.

Common error

Don't use "scandal-mongering" to describe casual gossip. It's more appropriate when the information being spread is potentially damaging and the intent is often malicious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scandal-mongering" functions primarily as a noun, often used as a gerund or verbal noun. It describes the activity itself. Ludwig examples show it describing actions in media, politics, and personal interactions. The term is often used to criticize or negatively characterize such activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scandal-mongering" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the spreading of scandalous information, often with malicious intent. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. While common in news and media, its negative connotation makes it less suitable for formal contexts. Related terms include "spreading gossip" and "rumor-mongering", but these lack the emphasis on potentially damaging scandals. When writing, use "scandal-mongering" to highlight the active and malicious nature of spreading such information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rumor-mongering

A direct synonym, simply using "rumor" instead of "scandal".

spreading malicious rumors

Highlights the harmful intent behind the rumor-spreading.

spreading gossip

Focuses on informal, often trivial, rumors rather than potentially damaging scandals.

mudslinging

Describes the act of making negative, often untrue, allegations against an opponent.

peddling rumors

Emphasizes the act of actively disseminating unverified information.

engaging in character assassination

Implies a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation, which can involve scandal.

sensationalizing news

Focuses on exaggerating news stories, often to create scandal.

planting stories

Involves secretly providing information to the media with the intention of causing scandal.

spreading disinformation

Focuses on spreading false information, which may or may not involve scandal.

insinuating

Subtly suggesting something negative, often scandalous, without explicitly stating it.

FAQs

How does "scandal-mongering" differ from simple gossip?

"Scandal-mongering" implies the deliberate spreading of potentially damaging information, often with malicious intent. Gossip can be more casual and less consequential.

What are some synonyms for "scandal-mongering"?

Alternatives include "spreading gossip", "peddling rumors", or "rumor-mongering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scandal-mongering" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "scandal-mongering" has a negative connotation. Consider more neutral terms like "reporting" or "investigative journalism" in formal contexts unless you want to emphasize the malicious intent.

How to identify "scandal-mongering" in media?

"Scandal-mongering" often involves sensational headlines, a focus on personal lives rather than facts, and a clear bias against the subject of the story.