So why has gossip become so demonized?Traditionally thought of as something women do, it’s no surprise that its bad reputation has patriarchal roots. But historically, gossip hasn’t always been considered a bad thing. The origin of the term dates back to his 12th century and referred to close relatives such as godfathers and brothers. This definition was eventually expanded, and “gossip” came to mean someone close to you, usually a close friend. It was only in his 17th century that the meaning of the word “gossip” began to resemble the definition we use today: “idle talk” or someone who engages in the sharing of secrets. It was also during this period that gossip became associated with immorality, especially for women. According to American activist Sylvia Federici, “female friendships were one of the targets of witch-hunts. It was in this context that ‘gossip’ changed from a term of friendship and affection to a term of slander and ridicule. Gossip was not only looked down upon, it was also punishable by law. In 1547, an edict was issued prohibiting women from assembling together to chat and converse.
