Caqueterie

/ˌkækɪˈtɛri/ noun

Definition

Excessive or irritating chatter, gossiping, or idle talk; the habit or practice of constantly talking about others.

Etymology

From French caqueterie, derived from caquet (chatter) with the -erie suffix meaning 'the act or practice of.' The word emphasizes habitual, annoying gossiping.

Kelly Says

In 17th-century France, 'caqueterie' was considered such a specific problem that it appeared in moral writings condemning women who spent all day gossiping—showing how certain behaviors get linguistic markers based on social concerns of the era.

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