gossipmonger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly literary/dated
Quick answer
What does “gossipmonger” mean?
A person who habitually spreads rumours and personal information about others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who habitually spreads rumours and personal information about others.
Someone who actively collects and disseminates trivial, often sensational, private details about people's lives, typically without concern for accuracy or privacy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in meaning and form. No spelling or grammatical differences.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects. May sound slightly old-fashioned or formal-informal in contemporary speech in both regions.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood. More common in written narratives (novels, journalism) than casual speech. 'Gossip' or 'rumour-monger' might be more frequent alternatives.
Grammar
How to Use “gossipmonger” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a gossipmonger.The gossipmonger spread rumours about [Object].She was labelled a gossipmonger by [Agent].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gossipmonger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was accused of mongering gossip about the royal family.
- He spends his time gossiping and scandal-mongering.
American English
- The tabloid is known for mongering gossip about celebrities.
- Stop mongering rumours and get back to work.
adverb
British English
- He whispered gossipmongerly across the garden fence.
- She leaned in and spoke gossipmongerly about the divorce.
American English
- The story was reported gossipmongerly, with little fact-checking.
- He nodded gossipmongerly, storing the information for later.
adjective
British English
- The gossipmonger tendencies of the local press are well-known.
- She gave him a gossipmonger look, eager for details.
American English
- His gossipmonger habits made him unpopular at the office.
- The article had a gossipmonger tone, full of insinuation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used to criticise employees who spread harmful rumours about colleagues or company plans, damaging morale.
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in sociological or anthropological texts discussing community dynamics.
Everyday
Used to describe someone known for spreading personal rumours in a community, workplace, or social circle.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gossipmonger”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gossipmonger”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gossipmonger”
- Using it as a verb (*'He gossipmongered about the neighbours.'). The verb is 'to monger gossip' or simply 'to gossip'.
- Confusing with 'rumourmonger' – they are near synonyms, but 'gossipmonger' can imply more trivial, personal talk.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a high-frequency word in everyday conversation. It is more likely found in writing (literature, journalism) or used for deliberate, slightly formal emphasis. Words like 'gossip' or 'busybody' are more common in speech.
No, 'gossipmonger' is only a noun. The related verb phrase is 'to monger gossip' or simply 'to gossip'. The suffix '-monger' (as in warmonger, ironmonger) is used to form nouns meaning 'a dealer or trader in something'.
A 'gossip' can be the activity (idle talk) or a person who engages in it occasionally. A 'gossipmonger' specifically denotes a person who does it habitually, actively, and often with more negative connotations of spreading rumours.
Yes, terms like 'informant', 'source', 'messenger', or 'newsbringer' can be neutral. 'Gossipmonger' is inherently negative, implying the news is trivial, personal, and potentially harmful.
A person who habitually spreads rumours and personal information about others.
Gossipmonger is usually informal, slightly literary/dated in register.
Gossipmonger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒs.ɪpˌmʌŋ.ɡə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑː.sɪpˌmʌŋ.ɡɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gossipmonger's tongue is a three-edged sword (variation on a proverb).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fishMONGER who sells fish; a gossipMONGER 'sells' or trades in gossip instead.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOSSIP IS A COMMODITY (mongered/traded). GOSSIPMONGERING IS A PROFESSION/HABIT (suffix -monger).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of a 'gossipmonger'?