gossip

Talk or information about other people's private lives, which may be unkind or untrue.

• I don't believe that gossip.
• She brought us all the latest office gossip.
• Have you heard any gossip about the new manager?

How to use it: gossip about someone/something (There is plenty of gossip about their marriage.)

Similar words: rumours, hearsay

Common phrases: latest gossip, office gossip, spread gossip, gossip about someone

Someone who often talks about other people's private lives.

• My neighbour is a gossip.
• Don't tell him; he's a terrible gossip.
• The office gossips already knew about their argument.

Similar words: gossipmonger

Common phrases: a terrible gossip, a real gossip, local gossip, known gossip

To talk about other people's private lives, sometimes saying things that are unkind or untrue.

• They love to gossip.
• We gossiped about our old teachers.
• Are you gossiping about me again?

How to use it: gossip about someone/something (They gossiped about their neighbours.); gossip with someone (She was gossiping with a friend in the kitchen.)

Similar words: spread rumours

Common phrases: gossip about someone, gossip with someone, gossip at work, gossip over lunch

To have a relaxed conversation about small, everyday matters.

• We sat and gossiped for a while.
• They gossiped over tea about gardens and holidays.
• I spent the afternoon gossiping with an old friend.

How to use it: gossip with someone (She stayed to gossip with her neighbour.)

Similar words: chat, chatter

Common phrases: gossip with someone, gossip over tea, sit and gossip