goss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very LowInformal, slang, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “goss” mean?
An informal or regional shortening of 'gossip', meaning to chat idly or casually, especially about personal or trivial matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal or regional shortening of 'gossip', meaning to chat idly or casually, especially about personal or trivial matters.
Can also refer to the act of such casual conversation or the content of it. Used predominantly in informal British English, often among younger speakers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively British slang, particularly in Southern England. It is virtually unknown and unused in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a neutral-to-positive connotation of friendly, social chat. Lacks the strongly negative implication of spreading rumours often associated with the full word 'gossip'.
Frequency
Very low frequency overall. Usage is highly regional within the UK and generational, mostly found in speech rather than writing.
Grammar
How to Use “goss” in a Sentence
to goss (with somebody) (about something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Let's pop to the café and goss for a bit.
- They were gossing by the lockers all break.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in very informal social situations among friends or acquaintances.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goss”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is understood in American contexts.
- Overusing it to sound informal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an informal slang abbreviation of 'gossip', primarily used in spoken British English.
No, it is strictly informal slang and would be inappropriate in formal contexts.
Most Americans would not understand it without context, as it is a specifically British slang term.
'Goss' is the casual, social act of chatting. 'Gossip' as a noun can refer to the more sensational talk or rumours themselves, often with a negative connotation.
An informal or regional shortening of 'gossip', meaning to chat idly or casually, especially about personal or trivial matters.
Goss: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɒs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GOSS' as the core of 'gossIP' – it's the friendly, social bit before the rumours start.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIALISING IS FUELING A FIRE (adding bits of news to keep the conversation burning).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'goss' primarily used?