etymology · 1000s–1400s
gossip
Drift #6 · May 18, 2026 · status
Meaning comparison
Today it means
idle talk; rumours about others
It used to mean (1000s–1400s)
a godparent; a close friend; a spiritual companion
Etymology
'Gossip' comes from Old English 'godsibb' — a person spiritually related through baptism (god + sibb, meaning kin). Godsibbs were intimate companions present at births and christenings. Their habit of talking together at these events gave the word its modern meaning.
The Drift
How the meaning shifted over time
the drift
1000sgodparent; spiritual kin
1300sclose friend; intimate companion
1500sa woman present and talking at a birth
1600s+idle talk; rumour; tittle-tattle
In Historical Context
She sent for her gossips at the birth — women of good standing in the parish who had known her since girlhood.
drift fact
'Sibling' shares the same root as 'gossip' — Old English 'sibb' meant kinship or relation.
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