Dear Abby's take on meaning of gossip

Liza

Liza

New Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2003
Messages
4,355
Reaction score
3
DEAR ABBY: Please explain the difference between gossip, interesting conversation and expressing an opinion. -- AVIS IN HOUSTON

DEAR AVIS: Gossip is saying something unkind or embarrassing behind someone's back. Some people mistake this for "interesting conversation." However, interesting conversation usually involves discussing ideas -- not the behavior (or misbehavior) of other people. Expressing an opinion is what I have just done.
Click to expand...

Good definition.
 
Is this a repost? If so, can you move it to the appropriate thread?
 
Liza said:
Is this a repost? If so, can you move it to the appropriate thread?
Click to expand...
I don't know if it's exactly a 100% repost. Plus, there are several other threads related to gossip. I can just leave this alone and hope people reply...

So, come everyone... reply!

I look at those 3 things differently... and think it depends on what is being said.

According to a book published by one of my college professors, rumor is intended for confirming facts while gossip is often intended to harm others with supposed facts.

Rumors usually begin with "I heard..." Of course, if you heard it... you don't know if it's true. Therefore, you're trying to confirm if it's true.

Gossip usually begin with "Did you know..." Of course, we're assuming you already know about it and wanted to make sure other people know about it. This is often intended to make others look bad.

For instance, a guy was fired from his job. I don't know if it's true, so I would say... "I heard this guy got fired." If the other person knew the truth, he would say... "Yes, it's true." or "No, it's not true.) Okay, I've confirmed it. No one got hurt and I wasn't using it to hurt him. However, I know he got fired and wanted to make him look bad by telling everyone... so I say, "Did you know he got fired? Yeah, he got fired!" Now, I'm making him look bad.

Now, back to the original post... 3 things were mentioned: gossip, interesting conversation, and expressing an opinion.

I've already defined gossip.

Interesting conversation could be neutral. "Did you know that the government spend $2.7 trillion dollars?" It could be good. "Did you know that she became president of her organization and helped by doing 100 hours of community service?" It could be bad. "Did you know he got fired from the job, a guy like him?" Of course, that bad comment would be translated as gossip.

Expressing an opinion is completely different. You're stating your opinion, not a fact that you heard and want to spread around like gossip or sharing an interesting fact. You're just stating something you believe in or think.
 
I am curious, what is it called when you are the receiving end of a rumour/gossip/story, especially when it is about you?

A lot of people are getting confused about gossips about a person who has the same name as me, beating someone up, and recently, I found out that it was not me, but a different person who is doing that. A lot of people is confusing with that person with me and thinking that I am a vicious person. I think it is funny but sad in a way. I wish that these people would be more careful with common names.
 
I think Handsome Smiley started a thread about gossip in the deaf community..it was very interesting. :)
 
Kuifje75 said:
I am curious, what is it called when you are the receiving end of a rumour/gossip/story, especially when it is about you?

A lot of people are getting confused about gossips about a person who has the same name as me, beating someone up, and recently, I found out that it was not me, but a different person who is doing that. A lot of people is confusing with that person with me and thinking that I am a vicious person. I think it is funny but sad in a way. I wish that these people would be more careful with common names.
Click to expand...
If it's a rumor... it's a question for me.

If it's a gossip... it's an assumption for me.
 
Back
Top