Gossip

Small Talk and Gossip

The need for the companionship of others is one of the fundamental features of human social nature, and talk is a primary form of human communion. “Small” talk is a type of talk through which we mark co-presence, e.g., the mutual recognition provided by threat reducing talk to strangers in a lift or neighboring airline

Gossip

Curiosity about gossip seems to center on one question: What “counts” as gossip? Talking about who in Hollywood is heading to the altar? Discussing the odd behavior of a friend at a party? Criticizing a friend’s choice of attire? Taking bets on how long a common friend’s latest love affair will last? Confiding in a

Scroll to Top