The concept of gossip has undergone significant changes over time, evolving from a term of affection to one carrying negative connotations. The roots of gossip trace back to Old English through the word ‘godsibb’, meaning ‘sponsor or godparent’. Gossip began as a term to describe close friends or neighbors in Middle English. Jess Zafarris, author of several works on etymology, notes that gossip originally referred to women friends who gathered for social occasions, engaging in discussions about people and events in their lives.

Historical records from as early as the 1600s suggest that the word was also applied to a woman’s female friends present at childbirth. By the 16th century, gossip acquired negative, gendered undertones, representing women who spread rumors.

Silvia Federici, a feminist writer and professor, discusses the derogatory shift in the meaning of gossip as a reflection of societal changes. She remarks that while women once held some power, an increasingly misogynistic society sought to undermine them. In early medieval Europe, women could accuse men in court directly, but this ability waned over centuries. Federici’s research for her book Witches, Witch-Hunting, and Women uncovered proclamations encouraging husbands to restrict their wives’ activities, psychologically controlling them by transforming the concept of gossip.

By the 17th century, the original notion of gossip was reduced to idleness, waste, and rebellion. Federici argues that this shift cannot be viewed separately from the diminishing value placed on women’s lives and contributions.

Writing in Good Girls Gossip, Tova Leigh agrees with Federici but emphasizes the distinction between harmful gossip and honest conversation. She advocates for reclaiming gossip as a positive act, highlighting its role in creating safe spaces where women can speak openly, fostering support and a sense of solidarity.