NPR News·4 min read·medium
'Gossip' had godly origins. Here's how it gained its sinful reputation
J
Jaclyn Diaz
✦AI Summary
The word 'gossip' has evolved from its Old English roots as a term for godparents to a modern, often gendered, pejorative. Historians note that this shift reflects historical societal efforts to marginalize women's social spaces.
Why it matters
Understanding the etymology of 'gossip' provides insight into how language reflects and reinforces historical gender biases.
In the leadup to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's New York City wedding, the rumor mill went into overdrive.
culture
Political Bias
Center
LeftLean LCenterLean RRight
Confidence: 85%
The article provides an etymological and historical analysis without taking a political stance.
✦
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in