tattle
/ˈtat(ə)l
/verb [no object]
1Gossip idly: (as adjective tattling) according to some tattling sources, he never quite gave her up...
- They tend to gain control by withdrawing affection and attention or by gossiping and tattling.
- This one will include a banishment clause for tattling, since our last nanny came this close to selling a tell-all about life among us.
- Tighter money and higher interest rates will not be needed for much longer, they tattled.
Synonyms
gossip, tittle-tattle, chatter, chat, chit-chat, prattle, prate, babble, blabber, jabber, gabble, rattle on, spread rumours, spread gossip, circulate rumours, spread stories
informal chinwag, jaw, yak, gab
British informal natter, rabbit on, witter on
North American informal run off at the mouth
1.1chiefly North American Report another’s wrongdoing; tell tales: he never tattled or told tales I would tattle on her whenever I had hard evidence...
- But, I'm afraid it will be like when little kids tattle on each other.
- Stumble across us and go tattle to the principal!
- If the clerk continues to overlook you, find the manager and tattle!
Synonyms
inform, report, talk, tell all, spill the beans;
accuse
informal squeal, sing, let the cat out of the bag
noun [mass noun]
Gossip; idle talk: for each story of mine, a titbit of town tattle must be exchanged...
- But Duffy has no truck with those who argue that the player, who is injury-prone and inclined to attract lurid headlines, has little left to offer the sport beyond tears and tabloid tattle.
- Perelman's free-associative style spun fantasias out of girdle ads, tabloid tattle, sleazy pulp fiction and recipe prose.
- Just how far I have come from my days of respecting Motson was confirmed yesterday where he destroyed all enjoyment of watching the cup final with his mediocre tattle.
Synonyms
gossip, rumour, tittle-tattle, hearsay, prattle, scandal, small talk, chit-chat
Origin
Late 15th century (in the sense 'falter, stammer', also 'make meaningless sounds', referring to a small child): from Middle Flemish tatelen, tateren, of imitative origin.