Advertisement

gossip (n.)

Old English godsibb "sponsor, godparent," from God + sibb "relative" (see sibling). The sense was extended in Middle English to "a familiar acquaintance, a friend, neighbor" (c. 1300), especially to women friends invited to attend a birth, later to "anyone engaging in familiar or idle talk" (1560s).

The sense was further extended 1811 to "trifling talk, groundless rumor." Similar formations are found in Old Norse guðsifja, Old Saxon guþziff.

gossip (v.)

"to talk idly about the affairs of others," 1620s, from gossip (n.). Related: Gossiped; gossiping.

also from 1620s
Advertisement

Trends of gossip

updated on June 28, 2023

Advertisement