Gossip

Gossip refers to casual conversation or reports about other people's lives, often involving details that are not confirmed as true. It typically circulates through social networks and can cover a wide range of topics, from personal relationships and activities to perceived flaws and secrets. The motivations for gossip are varied, including social bonding, entertainment, seeking validation, and sometimes, malice or the desire to manipulate reputations. The information shared in gossip can be either positive, negative, or neutral, but is often based on hearsay rather than verified facts and is thus, potentially damaging or unreliable. It can also involve idle talk about trivial matters.

Gossip meaning with examples

• At the office water cooler, Sarah and John were engrossed in gossip about their new colleague's dating life, sharing unverified rumours and speculating about her private conversations. Despite the lack of evidence, the gossip spread quickly and the details of the speculation changed through each person the gossip spread to. This shared secret offered a momentary sense of closeness to Sarah and John, but also eroded the newcomer's reputation.
• During their walk home, the neighbours were engaged in gossip about the recently installed garden gnome, questioning its design and making humorous comments. The lighthearted gossip offered an avenue of informal conversation. The shared experience fostered a sense of community and connection among the residents. The gossip became a popular topic of conversation during their walk and other social gatherings, making the conversation and community a lively affair.
• In the school cafeteria, students often engaged in gossip about other students, discussing their grades, social circles, and perceived personality traits. The informal gossip helped them navigate their complex social interactions, forming alliances, and establishing social hierarchies. It provided insights into social dynamics, fueling their social understanding of their peers. This practice allowed them to feel empowered through the perception of having privileged information about their peers.
• In the online forum, anonymous users participated in online gossip, sharing rumors and speculation about the personal lives of public figures. The internet platform allowed gossip to spread like wildfire and could not be tracked back to the source or be censored. Some users used this medium to express their opinions, while others participated maliciously, engaging in the spread of misinformation and slander. The gossip created controversy and harmed the reputations of those being discussed.