GOSSIP

Examples of GOSSIP in a sentence

GOSSIP as a noun in a sentence

• The office was rife with gossip about the new manager’s personal life.
• She avoided engaging in gossip because she believed it only led to negativity.
• The tabloids were filled with salacious gossip about celebrities’ relationships.
• Despite the gossip surrounding her, she remained focused on her work and ignored the rumors.
• High school was notorious for gossip, with rumors spreading like wildfire.
• The book club meeting often devolved into sessions of tea and gossip.
• She was the subject of much gossip after her sudden resignation from the company.
• The town’s small size meant that gossip traveled quickly, making privacy hard to come by.

GOSSIP as a verb in a sentence

• They would often gossip about their coworkers during lunch breaks.
• The neighbors would frequently gossip over the fence about the goings-on in the neighborhood.
• She felt uncomfortable gossiping about others behind their backs.
• The students were caught gossiping about their teacher’s personal life.
• Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t resist gossiping with her friends about the latest scandal.
• He was known for gossiping with anyone who would listen, often embellishing stories for effect.
• The group of friends would often spend hours gossiping about classmates and celebrities.
• They were careful not to gossip too much, knowing that it could hurt others’ feelings.

Etymology Origin of GOSSIP

The term gossip has an intriguing etymological history, tracing its origins through various linguistic pathways.

• Old English Roots: The word “gossip” finds its roots in Old English, where it initially referred to a close friend or companion. Derived from the Old English word “godsibb,” which meant “godparent” or “sponsor,” it evolved to describe individuals who shared close bonds and confidences.
• Evolution in Meaning: Over time, the meaning of “gossip” gradually shifted to denote casual conversation, often centered around personal or sensational topics. This transformation likely occurred during the Middle English period, reflecting changes in social dynamics and communication patterns.
• Negative Connotations: While “gossip” originally carried neutral or even positive connotations, it eventually acquired negative associations, particularly with the spread of rumors, hearsay, and scandalous talk. This shift in meaning occurred as gossip became associated with idle chatter, malicious rumors, and social intrigue.
• Cultural Phenomenon: Despite its negative connotations, gossip remains a pervasive cultural phenomenon, observed across societies and historical periods. It serves various social functions, including bonding within social groups, sharing information, and establishing social hierarchies.
• Modern Usage: In contemporary usage, “gossip” refers to informal or speculative talk about others, often focusing on their personal lives, relationships, or behavior. While gossip can foster social connections and provide a means of sharing information, it can also have negative consequences, such as spreading misinformation or damaging reputations.

Through its journey from Old English origins to its contemporary usage, the term gossip reflects the complex interplay between language, culture, and human social dynamics, highlighting the enduring fascination with interpersonal communication and the exchange of information.

Synonyms

• Rumor
• Chatter
• Tittle-tattle
• Scuttlebutt
• Whispering
• Backbiting
• Idle talk
• Dish the dirt

Antonyms

• Silence
• Privacy
• Secret-keeping
• Confidentiality
• Taciturnity
• Seclusion
• Non-disclosure
• Reclusiveness