Gossip
/ˈɡɑːsɪp/
nounverbB1
Definition
Gossip is when people talk about other people's private life, sometimes sharing secrets or rumors. This talk can be true or false, and it often spreads quickly. People gossip for fun, to feel connected, or sometimes to hurt others.
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See It in Action
Noun: Talk about other people's private life, often secret or unconfirmed
- •She loves to listen to the latest gossip about celebrities.
- •The office gossip spread rumors about the new manager.
- •Gossip can sometimes hurt people if it is not true.
Verb: To talk about other people's private matters, often in a negative or secret way
- •They like to gossip about their neighbors every afternoon.
- •Don’t gossip about your friends because it can break trust.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gossip" like "talk" (A1 word), but about other people’s private things, often secret or personal
- ✓Picture two friends whispering behind someone's back, sharing news that is not official or confirmed
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear something surprising about someone you know, and you want to tell others
- ✓Sounds like "GOSS-ip" → imagine a soft, quick sound like whispering secrets in a busy room
- ✓Think of stories in movies where characters share secrets in small groups, creating excitement or drama
- ✓NOT like "news" (official and public information), gossip is often private and sometimes not true
- ✓NOT like "compliment" (positive talk), gossip can be positive or negative but often has a negative feeling
- ✓NOT like "fact" (true information), gossip may be true or false and is often uncertain
Try Other Words
- •Chat: informal talk, usually friendly and light (Use when the conversation is casual and not about private secrets)
- •Rumor: a story or information that may not be true (Use when focusing on unconfirmed information, often negative)
- •Talk: general speaking or conversation (Use for any kind of discussion, not just about others’ private life)
- •Scuttlebutt: informal word for gossip or rumors (Use in very casual or slang contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "gossip" is a whole word by itself
- •Etymology: From Old English "godsibb," meaning a godparent or close friend, later changed to mean talk among friends about others
- •Historical development: Originally meant a close relationship, then shifted to mean friendly talk or news, and now mostly means private or secret talk about others
- •Modern usage: Used to describe sharing information or rumors about people, often in social or informal settings
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people enjoy gossip even if it can sometimes hurt others?
•How can gossip affect friendships and trust between people?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often gossip ___ about others when they want to feel ___ with a group.
2.When you gossip, you usually share information that is not ___ or confirmed.
3.Unlike official news, gossip can be ___ and spread quickly without checking facts.
4.She stopped gossiping because she realized it could ___ other people's feelings.
5.Gossip often happens ___ in small groups or quietly so others don’t hear.
6.If you want to keep a secret, you should never ___ about it with others.
7.The office gossip was about the new manager, but no one knew if it was ___ or not.