gossip

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun light informal conversation for social occasions
  2. noun a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people
  3. noun a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others

Etymology

From Middle English godsybbe, godsib (“a close friend or relation, a confidant; a godparent”), from Old English godsibb (“godparent, sponsor”), equivalent to god + sib. Doublet of godsib. For sense evolution to "gossip, discussing others' personal affairs," compare French commérage.

In classic literature

Synonyms

chitchat, chit-chat, chit chat, small talk, gab, gabfest, tittle-tattle, chin wag, chin-wag, chin wagging, chin-wagging, causerie

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