Putting a Stop to Gossip Before it Starts    Back

Believe it or not gossip once meant “godparent” and denoted the relationship of godparent to godchild; but later included the relationship of godparent to the parent.  Gossip designated a relationship between peers, a bond a friendship.   The derogatory use of gossip as one who engaged in idle talk and/or spreading rumors first appeared in the 16^th century and gossip meaning the conversation of a gossip was not recorded until the 18^th century. (Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary, 1984)

For the sake of this article gossip will be defined as spreading personal or intimate sensational rumors, talk and/or facts about others.   Why do we gossip?  There are many reasons why we gossip including: liking new, updated information, sensationalized stories and details (we like to stay in the “loop”).  However, if we really admitted it to ourselves often times gossip gives us feeling of “I’m not like that” or I’m better than you are”.  Some people like to gloat in other people’s pain.  Gossip can destroy relationship by creating hurt feelings and building resentment between people.

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