Gossipries

Definition

Plural of gossipry; instances or instances of gossiping behavior or gossip-related activities.

Etymology

From 'gossip' + suffix '-ry' (creating a noun meaning 'behavior or practice') + '-ies' for plural. The '-ry' suffix appears in words like 'bravery' and 'trickery.'

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ry' is wonderfully versatile in English—it can turn almost any noun into an abstract concept, which is why we have 'cookery,' 'skulduggery,' and 'gossipries' all built the same way.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Nominalized collective form (like 'gossipries' as instances of gossip), treats gossip as a countable practice. Gendered usage as a feminine domain of trivial talk.

Inclusive Usage

Specify what is being discussed: 'rumors', 'social conversation', 'information exchanges.' Avoid the abstract plural label.

Inclusive Alternatives

["conversations","rumors","information exchanges"]

Related Words

gossip tatting tittle-tattle rumor-mongering chitchat