Gossip vs. Tattle: What's the Difference?

By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024

Gossip refers to sharing unverified or personal information about others, often casually or maliciously. Tattle involves reporting someone's misbehavior or rule-breaking, typically to authority figures, often viewed as childish or petty.

Key Differences

Gossip involves talking about others' private affairs without their consent, often with the intention of entertainment or spreading rumors. It typically happens in social settings and can range from harmless chatter to malicious slander. Tattle, on the other hand, refers to informing an authority figure about someone else's misbehavior or rule-breaking, usually with the expectation of getting them in trouble. It is commonly associated with children and is often perceived as petty or annoying.

While gossip is generally informal and occurs among peers, tattle is a more formal action directed towards those in power. Gossip can be seen as a social activity, sometimes strengthening bonds between gossipers, whereas tattling is often viewed negatively because it can disrupt relationships by creating distrust and resentment.

Gossip thrives on the curiosity and entertainment value of personal stories, even if they are exaggerated or false. It can be a bonding experience for those sharing the gossip, but it can also lead to social harm and mistrust. Tattling, by contrast, aims to uphold rules and norms by reporting wrongdoings, but it can be seen as a breach of trust among peers, as it often involves betraying someone's confidence.

In terms of impact, gossip can spread widely and influence social dynamics, while tattling typically results in immediate consequences for the person being reported. Gossip can be subtle and insidious, often blending into regular conversation, whereas tattle is more direct and overt, with clear intentions and outcomes.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Sharing unverified personal information

Reporting misbehavior to authority

Intent

Entertainment, curiosity, or malice

Seeking consequences for misbehavior

Social Context

Informal, among peers

Formal, directed to authority

Perception

Can be bonding or harmful

Viewed as petty or annoying

Impact

Affects reputations and relationships

Immediate consequences for misconduct

Gossip and Tattle Definitions

Gossip

Casual or unconstrained conversation about others, typically involving unverified details.

They spent the afternoon gossiping about their co-workers.

Tattle

To report someone's wrongdoing to an authority figure.

The student tattled on his classmate for cheating on the test.

Gossip

Idle talk or rumors about personal or private affairs of others.

The gossip spread quickly through the office.

Tattle

Informing on someone in a way that is often seen as childish or petty.

She was known to tattle on her siblings over minor issues.

Gossip

Information about others shared without their knowledge or consent.

Gossip about the celebrity's personal life was all over the tabloids.

Tattle

Reporting rule-breaking behavior, typically to maintain order.

Tattling to the manager, she complained about her co-worker's tardiness.

Gossip

A conversation that can strengthen bonds but also harm reputations.

Engaging in gossip can sometimes backfire and damage friendships.

Tattle

An action often viewed negatively by peers due to the breach of trust.

Tattling can create animosity and mistrust among friends.

Gossip

Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature.

Tattle

Revealing someone's misbehavior with the intent of getting them in trouble.

He tattled to the teacher about the kids talking in class.

Gossip

A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.

Tattle

To reveal the plans or activities of another, especially ones that are secret or improper

Tattled on his sister when she snuck out.

Tattled to his parents about what his sister did.

Gossip

Trivial, chatty talk or writing.

Tattle

To chatter; prate.

Gossip

A close friend or companion.

Tattle

To reveal (something about someone) to another, as through gossiping.

Gossip

Chiefly British A godparent.

Tattle

Idle talk; chatter; prattle.

Gossip

To engage in or spread gossip

Gossiped about the neighbors.

Tattle

A tattletale.

Gossip

(countable) Someone who likes to talk about other people's private or personal business.

Be careful what you say to him: he’s a bit of a gossip.

Tattle

(intransitive) To chatter; to gossip.

Gossip

(uncountable) Idle talk about someone’s private or personal matters, especially someone not present.

According to the latest gossip, their relationship is on the rocks.

I have a juicy piece of gossip to share with you.

Tattle

Often said of children: to report incriminating information about another person, or a person's wrongdoing; to tell on somebody.

Gossip

(uncountable) Idle conversation in general.

Tattle

To speak like a baby or young child; to babble, to prattle; to speak haltingly; to stutter.

Gossip

(uncountable) A genre in contemporary media, usually focused on the personal affairs of celebrities.

A gossip columnist

A gossip blog

Tattle

(countable) A tattletale.

Gossip

A sponsor; a godfather or godmother; the godparent of a child.

Tattle

Often said of children: a piece of incriminating information or an account of wrongdoing that is said about another person.

Gossip

(obsolete) A familiar acquaintance.

Tattle

(uncountable) Idle talk; gossip; (countable) an instance of such talk or gossip.

Gossip

(obsolete) Title used with the name of one's child's godparent or of a friend.

Tattle

To prate; to talk idly; to use many words with little meaning; to chat.

The tattling quality of age, which is always narrative.

Gossip

(intransitive) To talk about someone else's private or personal business, especially in a manner that spreads the information.

Tattle

To tell tales; to communicate secrets; to be a talebearer; as, a tattling girl.

Gossip

(intransitive) To talk idly.

Tattle

Idle talk or chat; trifling talk; prate.

[They] told the tattle of the day.

Gossip

(obsolete) To stand godfather to; to provide godparents for.

Tattle

Disclosing information or giving evidence about another

Gossip

(obsolete) To enjoy oneself during festivities, to make merry.

Tattle

Speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

Gossip

A sponsor; a godfather or a godmother.

Should a great lady that was invited to be a gossip, in her place send her kitchen maid, 't would be ill taken.

Tattle

Divulge confidential information or secrets;

Be careful--his secretary talks

Gossip

A friend or comrade; a companion; a familiar and customary acquaintance.

My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal.

Gossip

One who runs house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler.

The common chat of gossips when they meet.

Gossip

The tattle of a gossip; groundless rumor.

Bubbles o'er like a city with gossip, scandal, and spite.

Gossip

To stand sponsor to.

Gossip

To make merry.

Gossip

To prate; to chat; to talk much.

Gossip

To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.

Gossip

Light informal conversation for social occasions

Gossip

A report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people;

The divorce caused much gossip

Gossip

A person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others

Gossip

Wag one's tongue; speak about others and reveal secrets or intimacies;

She won't dish the dirt

Gossip

Talk socially without exchanging too much information;

The men were sitting in the cafe and shooting the breeze

Gossip

Chat that can be entertaining or malicious, often exaggerating facts.

The gossip at the party was both amusing and shocking.

FAQs

Is tattling considered negative?

Tattling is often viewed negatively because it can be seen as petty and create distrust among peers.

What is gossip?

Gossip is sharing unverified or private information about others, often for entertainment or malice.

What is tattle?

Tattle is reporting someone's misbehavior or rule-breaking to an authority figure.

Who typically engages in gossip?

Gossip is common in social settings among peers and can occur in various environments, such as workplaces and social gatherings.

Is gossip always harmful?

Gossip can be harmless or entertaining, but it often has the potential to harm reputations and relationships.

How does gossip spread?

Gossip spreads through casual conversations and social interactions, often rapidly and widely.

What are the consequences of tattling?

The consequences of tattling often include disciplinary actions against the person being reported and possible social backlash for the tattler.

What motivates tattling?

Tattling is motivated by the desire to uphold rules, seek justice, or get someone in trouble.

Can gossip be positive?

Gossip can sometimes have positive aspects, such as bonding among those sharing it, but it usually has a negative connotation.

What motivates gossip?

Gossip is often motivated by curiosity, entertainment, or the desire to share intriguing information.

Is tattling always accurate?

Tattling is typically a factual report of misbehavior, though it can sometimes be exaggerated or biased.

Does gossip require an authority figure?

No, gossip occurs among peers and does not involve authority figures.

Who typically engages in tattling?

Tattling is commonly associated with children but can occur among adults in formal settings like schools or workplaces.

Can gossip be factual?

Gossip can contain factual elements but is often mixed with speculation and unverified information.

What are the consequences of gossip?

The consequences of gossip can include damaged reputations, broken trust, and strained relationships.

Is tattling formal?

Tattling is more formal as it involves reporting to authority figures.

Does tattling require an authority figure?

Yes, tattling involves reporting to someone in a position of authority.

Can tattling be justified?

Tattling can be justified if it addresses serious issues or misconduct that need to be reported for safety or order.

How does tattling spread?

Tattling is typically a direct report to an authority figure and does not spread widely like gossip.

Is gossip informal?

Yes, gossip is usually informal and occurs in casual settings.

Thug vs. Hood

Afford vs. Effort

About Author

Written by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.

Co-written by

Aimie Carlson

Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.