gossiping
word · lemma: gossip
Definition
Talking about other people’s personal lives or private matters, usually in a way that is not kind and often sharing information that is not confirmed to be true.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in informal contexts. It can be considered negative or rude, especially if the information is private or possibly false. Frequently paired with 'about' (gossiping about someone). Not the same as 'chatting' or 'discussing'.
Example Sentences
They were gossiping about their classmates during lunch.
basic
Gossiping can hurt other people’s feelings.
basic
People spend hours gossiping on the phone about celebrities.
natural
I always regret gossiping when it gets me into trouble.
natural
They pretended to be working but were actually gossiping behind their computers.
natural
I don’t like gossiping at work.
basic