A person who is the subject of gossip; someone whose private affairs are being discussed by gossips.
From gossip + the suffix -ee (indicating the recipient or target of an action, like employee, trainee), creating a word for the person being gossiped about rather than doing the gossiping.
While 'gossiper' (the one who spreads rumors) is common, 'gossipee' (the one being talked about) is much rarer—yet it's arguably the more interesting role, since being a 'gossipee' against your will tells a darker story about social cruelty than the gossipers probably intend.
This term designates the target of gossip, typically feminized in historical usage (the 'gossiped-about woman'). It reinforces a gendered power dynamic where women are subjects of others' commentary.
Prefer 'subject of discussion' or use subject's name. 'Gossipee' reduces a person to passive object of talk.
["subject of discussion","person discussed"]
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