Gossipmonger
/ˈɡɒs.ɪpˌmʌŋ.ɡər/noun
A person who habitually spreads gossip or rumors.
Did you know?The second half, -monger, comes from Old English *mangere* “trader, dealer,” the same ancient word behind *fishmonger* and *warmonger*—so English literally turns certain people into merchants of behavior.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
godsibb
“a sponsor in baptism; later, a close friend or familiar companion”
Old English
OE
mangere
“a merchant, trader, dealer”
Middle English
ME
gossibmonger
“a person who frequents idle talk; a dealer in gossip”
Modern English
English
gossipmonger
“a person who habitually spreads gossip or rumors”
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