gossip
This word carries a distinct social tension, blending a sense of intimacy with a hint of betrayal. It describes the act of building social bonds through the shared exclusion of a third party, often creating a feeling of secret knowledge or superiority among the participants. While it can be used lightly to describe harmless chatting among friends, it frequently leans toward the negative when it implies malice, inaccuracy, or a breach of trust. It differs from reporting facts because the truth of the information is secondary to the social pleasure of sharing it.
Uncountable when referring to the general activity or the rumors themselves (stop the gossip). Countable when referring to a person who enjoys spreading rumors (she is a gossip).
Meanings
A person who habitually spreads rumors or private information about others.
"My aunt is the neighborhood gossip."
Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
"The office is full of idle gossip."