gossip

'Fine about the gossip, not fine about some of the people being gossiped about.'

In addition to its social function, gossip has consequences for individuals who gossip, those who hear gossip and those who are gossiped about.

Recently, within our own organization, a newcomer listened as we gossiped in a pub and commented in dismay, 'There's a complete subtext I just don't understand -- I've no idea what you are talking about!' In fact, we were running through well-established organizational jokes and stories, perhaps, one might argue, because the new member of staff was there.

I have been party to gossip, I have been gossiped about and here is the only standing lesson I have learnt - idle gossip can make for an ideal hit in one's confidence and self respect!

During the course of a year, the University of Groningen researcher questioned employees about how much they gossiped and what they would talk about.

By the 14th century, anyone who gossiped in Scotland was forced to sit on a "cucking" stool and pelted with rotten vegetables.

Some 55 per cent of men said they gossiped at work, compared with 46 per cent of women whose top topics were family feuds, followed by the latest storyline in EastEnders, old school friends, fashion errors and what neighbours are like.